Trainer David Pringle believes his undefeated greyhound Old Timer should be able to overcome an awkward draw in this evening’s Bathurst RSL Club Soldier’s Saddle (520m).
Old Timer has won his five career starts to date, including an impressive 29.80 win in his semi final last week at Bathurst, but will have to jump from box four for the first time in his career in tonight’s feature event.
This evening will mark the 22nd running of the Soldier's Saddle, worth $10,000 to the winner and always a keenly sought after event, especially among western districts trainers.
Old Timer is likely to start favourite in this year’s event, given the impressive form he has shown in the early stages of his career, but trainer Pringle admits he will need some luck in running.
“It’s going to be tough, but I think he can do it,” Pringle said.
“Raglan Gun in box two is a wide runner, so Old Timer will need to clear him in the early stages. As long as he is on the rails, running second or third at the first turn, he will be hard to beat.”
Old Timer started the Soldier’s Saddle series on the back of a terrific win over the 530m at Richmond and he has impressed again at Bathurst. He was a 29.87 winner in the heats two weeks ago before improving again last week and looks tough to stop.
Zipping Bianca (box seven) won her heat last week in 30.07 to record her third success in 10 starts for trainer Trevor Jones.
A daughter of Mantra Lad and Zipping Catra and yet another promising pup from the renowned Hallinan breeding group, she looks another threat to Old Timer.
Western Sydney trainer Rodney Metselaar has two chances in the final, with Tap Out Scarlet (box eight) looking a stronger prospect than littermate Tap Out Axe.
Tap Out Scarlet extended her record to five win and four minor placings from 14 starts last week with her 30.14 triumph.
This is her first start from box eight but if she jumps cleanly she has the pace to take advantage of scrimmage.
The final will complete the three-week Soldier’s Saddle series, which is open to greyhounds with 1-5 wins.
In other Bathurst Monday action, Irinka Tyson and Hazy Lotto (both box three) look good chances in races six and ten respectively.
Irinka Tyson has won three and placed three times on his seven trips to Bathurst, while Hazy Lotto won well over the 450m at Bathurst last month and has triumphed on two of his three outings at the track.
For Bathurst Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Bathurst RSL Soldier’s Saddle Box Draw: 1. Tap Out Axe 2. Raglan Gun 3. Perfect Melody 4. Old Timer 5. Cosmic Woody (in for scratched Handsome Devil) 6. Fiery Griffo 7. Zipping Bianca 8. Tap Out Scarlet.
