Unbeaten greyhound Hay Fergus resumes his stop-start career at Maitland this afternoon, looking to make it five wins from five career starts.
The son of legendary Brett Lee and Group 1 winner Daydream (pictured with connections) jumps from box one in the 4th/5th grade East Maitland TAB Trophy Stakes (450m, race ten) in what will be his first start since a win at Bulli on November 6.
Hay Fergus injured a toe in the catching pen after that race, forcing him onto the sidelines for the past six weeks.
Despite the layoff, Hay Fergus’s owner Deborah May, wife of trainer Brett, said her greyhound was ready to win at Maitland today.
“He is spot on,” she said.
“He can handle the distance and it’s his local track, so he knows the place. It’s fair to say this field doesn’t look as hard as those he’s beaten at Bulli so I think he can win again.”
Hay Fergus first caught the eye when he broke the 400m track record at Bulli with a 22.14 performance trial at the Illawarra track in July and since won four times there, including a solid 22.48 victory over the 400m on his last start on November 6.
While injuries have delayed his career somewhat, May said she believed patience would eventually pay off with her exciting greyhound, who should have a crack at the 520m shortly.
“We’ve been in greyhound racing 35 years and you know it’s not an easy game sometimes,” she said.
“Our greyhounds are like our babies – we love them. Sometimes you just have to be patient with them.
“If he can get some momentum going then I still think he has a bright future (and) I don’t think it will be long until he’s at 500m level. We will keep working him up to that.”
In other action at Maitland, Sketchy Chief can score another win for trainer David Richardson when he jumps from box one in race six (400m)
Sketchy Chief ran 22.42 at Maitland last week finishing second behind Mr Riley and won at the track last month in 22.52.
One Hill has her first start for almost three months but looks the pick in race seven (400m).
Charlie Lamb’s greyhound looks better suited over further but has won twice at Maitland previously and should be raring to go.
Fire Elusive can score his 25th victory on his 95th start with victory in race 11 (450m).
Mark Moroney’s greyhound (box two) has won three times and placed three times on his last six runs at Maitland and will relish being close to the rail.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
