Bathurst races will take centre stage this afternoon with the heats of the time-honoured Bathurst RSL Soldiers Saddle (520m) series taking place.
One of the standouts in today’s six heats is the Barry Elms-trained Handsome Devil, who jumps from box four in the third heat, aiming to continue his impressive recent form.
After his early progress was hampered by a injury, Handsome Devil has emerged as a hot prospect for Elms.
He scored his fourth consecutive victory at Bathurst on November 2, bolting in over the 450m by two-and-a-half-lengths in 26.07.
That extended Handsome Devil’s impressive record to five wins and a minor placing from his eight starts so far, including a 25.51 run over the 450m at Bathurst last month.
This is his first start over the 520m but on current form he looks capable of overcoming the tricky draw and earning another win.
Gully Fever (box five, heat six) is shaping as the bolter of the series if he can overcome his tough draw from the squeeze box.
The son of Buck Fever and Fancy Jaffa has scored two terrific victories from his four starts so far, including an impressive five-length win over the 535m at Richmond on November 11.
He is mentored by fledgling trainer Jacob Burke, who had the privilege of handling Shakey Jakey when that greyhound produced his remarkable 29.07 track record run at Wentworth Park last year.
Old Timer and Gecko Flyer are both in flying form and look strong chances in heats one and five respectively.
Old Timer (box eight), a son of Collision and Midnight News, has won his first three and is from the gun kennel of David Pringle.
Gecko Flyer (box eight) has won his last two starts – both from the wide draw - and ran a storming 30.15 on his last start.
Others to watch today are Dandy Jack (box two, heat two) and Bearly With It (box one, heat four).
The semi-finals of the Bathurst Solder’s Saddle, which is open to greyhounds with 1-5 wins, is next Monday.
In other Bathurst Monday action, Irinka Big Dan (box two) can continue trainer Ray Smith’s super year with victory in the opening race.
Irinka Big Dan only finished fourth on his debut at Dubbo last month but should be capable of improvement from this draw for Smith, who has enjoyed notable success in 2015 with the likes of Brad Hill Billy.
For Bathurst Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
