Barry's Handsome Hope At Bathurst

Barry Elms is confident his greyhound Handsome Devil is in with a good chance of securing a fourth straight victory at Bathurst this afternoon.

Handsome Devil jumps from box one in the 4th/5th Grade Vic Hotel Stakes (450m, race nine) off the back of a great run of form.

The greyhound made his debut in November last year but a succession of injuries have restricted his progress.

Handsome Devil has scored two comprehensive victories at Bathurst at his last two starts, including a storming seven-and-a-quarter length triumph last week in 25.51.

He has never started from the inside boxes before but should have the early pace to lead today’s field.

“If he comes out humming like he has then I’m sure he can win,” Elms said.

“My only worry here is how he will cope with the corner start from the inside draw, but I’m sure he will handle it.

“I always believe that you don’t get anywhere in greyhound racing without the two Ps – patience and perseverance. It’s paying for with him now.”

Elms is delighted with Handsome Devil’s recent success given his issues with travelling distances and believes a trip to Sydney for the races is on the cards.

“He’s a very nervous greyhound, but now he is getting more experience in the kennels,” Elms said.

“He’s also not the best traveller. He barks at everything, from cars to sheep.

“I will have no problem taking him to Sydney - after all, there’s not many sheep there – but I will have to trial him down there a couple of times before he races.

“He’s always had ability and I’m delighted he is showing that now.”

In other action at Bathurst today, the Charmaine Roberts-trained Hillary (box six) looks the best bet of the day in race six.

 Roberts has scored some good wins recently and Hillary has recorded two solid placings on her first two starts.

Budgy Smuggler (race three) and Benji’s Friend (race eight) both look capable of scoring wins from box eight in their respective races.

Lewis Galea’s Budgy Smuggler has been running very consistently recently, with two wins and three minor placings in his last five starts.

Benji’s Friend was in hot form before finishing sixth in last Monday’s feature final at Dubbo, with three consecutive victories.

For Bathurst Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.