You could say Gayle Masterson has earned her spot in the limelight with NSW National Sprint Championship finalist Knight Sprite.
Another super performance has seen the in-form greyhound qualify for this Saturday’s state decider at Wentworth Park - with a place in the $75,000 to-the-winner Group 1 National title now tantalisingly close.
The son of Magic Sprite and Jaydo’s Neglect continued his super year with a brilliant 29.85 win in last Saturday’s heats.
Masterson, who has spent decades plugging away at NSW country tracks, is certainly enjoying her long-awaited success
“Sometimes I think, ‘is this really happening’,” Masterson, who is based at Hexham in the NSW Hunter Valley, said.
“I’ve been involved with greyhounds for 35 years. He’s the best one I’ve had.
“I think people who constantly have good greyhounds maybe don’t appreciate how good it is when you get a good one. I certainly appreciate having him.
“To have one as good as him is unbelievable.”
Knight Sprite has taken the scenic route to the sport’s upper echelons, cutting his teeth on the non-TAB tracks of Wauchope and Taree.
Since arriving at Wentworth Park earlier this year, Knight Sprite’s career has taken off.
Last Saturday’s win over a strong field extended his formidable record to 17 triumphs and 10 minor placings from 34 starts.
Masterson puts her greyhound’s success down to a simple formula.
“I love him to death,” she said. “That’s why he is doing so well - he loves me back.
“He just loves running and goes out and does it every time, no matter where he is.”
Knight Sprite was among the fastest qualifiers for this Saturday’s 520m final, clocking an impressive 29.85 to win his heat.
He has drawn unfavourably in box five for the decider but Masterson is bullish about his prospects.
“It doesn’t worry me because he has won from every box,” she said. “He always comes out well and jumps brilliantly.
“If he gets in front, they will have to catch him.”
Victory would earn Knight Sprite a place in the National decider at Wentworth Park on Saturday, August 22.
Superstar Fernando Bale is already among the confirmed qualifiers but Masterson is unfazed about potentially facing the gun Victorian.
“Any greyhound can get beaten on the night,” she said. “You just never know what will happen.
“All I know is Knight Sprite will go out and do his best.
“One thing’s for sure – I know the way to Sydney now, thanks to him.”
Knight Sprite looks a tempting $7 with Sportsbet for this Saturday’s decider.
Smart Missile (box one, $1.85) is the favourite with Sportsbet after his superb 29.43 run in the heats.
Ryley Sams (box three) ran 29.61 behind Smart Missile and is currently in red hot form at Wentworth Park.
He looks a good pick at $5.50 with Sportsbet.
Veteran Bessy Boo (box six, $6) has run four consecutive sub-30 second races over this trip and there are no stronger finishers in this race.
He may give away too much at the start to these but he is strong from the middle boxes and must be considered.
Uno Suzie, La Grand Logie, Tap Out Rose and Jack Kade complete the field.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
NSW Sprint Championship Box Draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Smart Missile ($1.85) 2. Uno Suzie ($6.50); 3. Ryley Sams ($5.50); 4. La Grand Logie ($17); 5. Knight Sprite ($7); 6. Bessy Boo ($6) 7. Tap Out Rose ($26) 8. Jack Kade ($26). 1R: Brad Hilly Billy, 2R: Opus Forte.
Prices correct at time of writing.
