Most trainers would be cursing their luck at drawing box five in a major final but Ruth Matic believes the “squeeze box” will suit her greyhound Black Bear Lee perfectly well in this Saturday’s Group 1 Ladbrokes Vic Peters Classic (520m) at Wentworth Park.
Black Bear Lee (pictured with red rug, who is $5 with Sportsbet) qualified for the feature event with a dominant 29.95 victory in his semi-final last weekend.
He has enjoyed big race success before from box five, having won this year’s Group 3 Magic Maiden at Wentworth Park, and Matic believes he should have no trouble with the draw on Saturday night.
Blazin’ Bomber is drawn in box four and is unpredictable at the start while Nangar Flame in box six has been slow leaving the boxes recently meaning Black Bear Lee may have a clear run to the first turn.
“I don’t mind box five, especially with the way they are boxed here,” Matic said.
“I think it’s more important what’s drawn around you in a final like this. He could get a clear run here.
“You can’t be too confident in a Group 1 final but he has a chance.”
Last Saturday night’s victory extended Black Bear Lee’s Wentworth Park record to eight wins in 12 starts.
He has won three of his last four starts and ran a very quick 29.69 at Wentworth Park in August.
“It’s a mighty effort to have that sort of record at Wentworth Park,” Matic said.
“I think he showed that experience in the semi-final. He is still young but he knows what he is doing. We knew he always had the ability to reach big finals like this. We are over the moon with him.”
Matic said she found it difficult to enjoy the build-up to such a big race.
“It’s more stressful than anything,” she said. “You can only relax when you have your greyhound safely kennelled on the night.
“The main thing is not to do anything different leading up to the race. If you feel nerves, you don’t transfer them to the greyhound.
“It can be difficult to relax leading up to the race, but on the night it’s certainly exciting.”
Zambora Brockie (box eight) is the $2.50 favourite with Sportsbet for the Vic Peters Classic after clocking 29.66 and 29.69 in two of his last three runs at Wentworth Park.
Kihael Kaluna (box three) is $2.70 after his two wins in the series so far, including a 29.69 effort last Saturday night, which was the fastest time set in the semi finals.
The Mark Gatt-trained greyhound was purchased by the renowned Australian Bloodstock consortium, co-owners of last year’s Melbourne Cup winning thoroughbred Protectionist.
The Ladbrokes Vic Peters Classic race is part of a terrific card at Wentworth Park and jumps at 9.50pm (ADST).
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Group 1 Vic Peters Classic Box Draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Explosive Madame ($41) 2. Black's A Marble ($21) 3. Kihael Kaluna ($2.70) 4. Blazin' Bomber ($6.50) 5. Black Bear Lee ($5) 6. Nangar Flame ($26) 7. Good Odds Ocker ($15) 8. Zambora Brockie ($2.50). 1r: Good Odds Angel ($6), 2R: No Donuts ($5).
Prices correct at the time of writing.
