The semi-finals of the Soldier’s Saddle Bathurst RSL Club (520m) series headlines an impressive card of racing at Bathurst this afternoon.
Four semi-finals will take place with some of the best sprinters from the NSW Central West lining up to qualify for next week’s final.
Headlining the fields is the unbeaten greyhound Old Timer, who is trained by David Pringle.
Old Timer set the time standard in last week’s heats, winning his race in 29.87 and looks a good bet to extend his unbeaten record this afternoon where he will jump from box two in the first semi final.
Another looking to extend a winning streak is Handsome Devil, who made it five wins in a row last week when he took out his heat in 30.23.
The Barry Elms-trained greyhound will jump from box two in the second semi final and looks a very strong chance to qualify for the Soldier’s Saddle final.
Gecko Flyer (box six) made it a hat-trick of wins last week and looks the pick in the third semi-final.
The most even semi-final comes is the fourth and final one, in which a number of greyhounds all have winning claims.
Among them is Equal Ben, who should improve on his third place in last week’s heats.
Equal Ben from box seven in the semi-final and trainer John Buttsworth is expecting a strong run.
“I am hoping Dandy Jack (box six) can pull him across,” he said.
“(Equal Ben) will be a smart greyhound in six months’ time (and) is very strong. He’s a big greyhound – 36 kilos – and does take some stopping. This is very tough but I will have everything crossed for him.”
The Soldier’s Saddle semi finals are races 5 – 8 with the top two finishers qualifying for next Monday’s final.
In other Bathurst Monday action, Buttsworth believes Kokinakas Valley, who resumes after almost a month away, can win race 10 (307m).
The short course greyhound has won six of his nine starts at Bathurst, including a strong 17.43 run last month.
“He’s badly boxed here as he wants to rail, so this is tough,” Buttsworth said.
“(But) he’s trialled well, is looking good and is obviously well-suited to the track. If he starts well, he can win this.”
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