Trainer Glenn Smith is hoping for a bold showing from Simpatico in Thursday night’s Racing Queensland Young Guns Final (520m) at Albion Park in the lead-up to a likely tile at the forthcoming Group 2 Lismore Cup series.
Simpatico, who has scored 12 wins and three minor placings from 18 starts, jumps from box six in the $10,220-to-the-winner decider.
Simpatico suffered a rare setback in last week’s heats when she lost out on the post to CASH In Motion, who jumps from box four on Thursday night.
That ended a run of 10 consecutive victories for the daughter of Magic Sprite and Absolute Style but Smith is confident his greyhound can bounce back in the final.
“She was still up to the mark last week, she just missed the start and paid for it,” Smith said.
“The draw here is okay. I don’t think there’s too much pace on her outside, so I think she’ll be left to her own devices and have the room she needs.
“She was a notorious bad starter earlier in her career, but we’ve worked on that and she usually comes out fine. If she does that this week, she’s a good chance.”
Simpatico has been impressive since debuting in March, including scoring two 29.79 wins over the 520m at Albion Park.
She has won one of her previous starts with the green rug and has gone faster than all of these over the distance.
Depending on fitness, Simpatico should be a threat for the Lismore Cup heats on October 16.
“That’s the right step-up for her,” Smith said.
“She has plenty of ability (but) her racing attitude makes her a standout. She just wants to win.
“Every greyhound in Thursday’s race is a threat but I think she can win.”
In other action at Albion Park, recent Dapto Megastar runner-up Keybow (pictured) looks the pick from box five in race eight (520m).
The two-time Group winner has won three of his last four visits to Albion Park and should have too much pace for these.
Oxley Rubey looks ideally drawn in box one to salute in race 10.
Darren Russell’s greyhound has scored three wins and a minor placing from five previous starts wearing the red rug.
Cosmic Boss (box one) has won all three of his previous starts from 600m and can continue that run over that distance in race six.
Tony Apap’s greyhound has saluted three times in his last five starts, including a terrific 34.97 display last month.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
