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Sandave Prince returns to Bulli tonight with owner-trainer Dave Richardson still buzzing from his greyhound’s terrific track-record performance last week.
The son of Miagi and Stately Sapphire jumps from box one in the GBOTA Wollongong Branch Final (race eight, 472m) fresh from his dominant 25.85 win at the NSW South Coast track last Friday.
That extended his record to seven wins and six minor placings from 16 races, including four wins in his last seven starts.
A nasty infection sidelined Sandave Prince for six months earlier this year but that superb win seven days ago left Richardson understandably elated.
“There’s been some top greyhounds race at Bulli over the years, so that track record was a brilliant effort,” Hunter Valley-based Richardson said. “Moments like that remind you that it’s all worthwhile.
“The extra 20 metres suited him down to the ground and he seemed to enjoy being at Bulli.
“I remember early in his career Jason Mackay said to me, ‘I’d love a greyhound who chases like that – you should take him to Bulli and see how he does there’.
“Jason was right!”
Sandave Prince has been one of NSW’s most consistent greyhounds since returning in June, only missing the podium once in 12 starts.
It took a brilliant 25.04 run by No Donuts to beat him at Maitland last month and an even better 24.96 track record performance by Magic Spring to do the same two starts back.
Richardson said he will aim Sandave Prince for a possible crack at the 520m at Wentworth Park shortly.
“I’ll give him a couple of more runs at Bulli and then maybe have a look at Richmond with him,” he said.
“My wife whelped the litter so we’ve had him since the day he was born. When you bring a greyhound through as a pup, you really appreciate what your greyhound does for you on the track.
“I never assume anything in racing but all the others know they are in a race tonight (and) he this draw should obviously suit him."
Elsewhere, the Judith Fisher-trained Priori (box one) can return to winning ways in race eight (472m).
The son of Magic Sprite and Sheikha has had two unsuccessful starts after three straight victories but should relish this box draw and looks hard to stop.
Kennelmates Little Bit Sweet and Little Bit Slick both look good chances to score wins in races seven and nine respectively.
The Peter Sims-trained pair have both scored terrific wins previously at Bulli and are building impressive career records, having scored a combined 15 wins so far in their young careers.
For Bulli Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
