A better draw has Bruce Fletcher confident that his young greyhound El Magnifico can return to winning ways at Bulli this afternoon.
El Magnifico, who jumps from box three in race five today (472m), impressed when scoring a 13-length victory on debut at Wentworth Park in December.
A week later though, El Magnifico began slowly from an unsuitable draw in box six and never came into the race.
With a more favourable draw in today’s race Fletcher, husband of El Magnifico’s trainer Julie, believes the youngster can bounce back today. Prior to his debut win, El Magnifico had two performance trials at Bulli, winning both in nice fashion.
“He’s got every opportunity to win,” Fletcher said. “He wants to be closer to the rail, so this draw suits.
“He’s a big dog – almost 36 kilos – and the draw on his last start really gave him little chance, especially with his lack of experience.
“He should handle the distance easily, based on his performance trial time at Bulli.
“He looks to have sound ability and racing temperament. We’ve got a very high opinion of him – we’ll see if he can put it together.”
El Magnifico’s sibling Super Senor is also a good prospect, but looks to have a tougher task jumping from box five in race three over the 400m.
Super Senor has won two of his first three starts – all at Bulli – but the strong field here includes super starter Zambra Icon (box four).
“I’m not as confident for him,” Fletcher admitted. “The greyhound on his inside is a very quick beginner and from this box he will have to jump well.
“Super Senor is dropping back in distance from his last start but he’s won twice over the 400 metres at Bulli already.
“The start will be absolutely paramount. If he jumps well, he’s in the race.”
In other action at Bulli today, Ritza Lenny looks the latest hot prospect for western Sydney trainer Mark Gatt and looks like the one to beat in race 10 (472m).
The son of Barcia Bale and Lagoon Lowanna has won his first two starts, both at Wentworth Park over the 520m in hot times, the last of which was the same event in which El Magnifico finished down the track.
In that race, Ritza Lenny showed a nice turn of speed to win and should be very hard to stop in today’s event where he will jump from box three.
Judith Fisher looks capable of scoring a double at the meeting, with her greyhounds Espanyol and Vidi Vici looking good chances in races four and seven respectively.
Espanyol (box one) faces a tough field but has won five of his eight previous visits to Bulli and was a terrific winner on his last start at Maitland over the 450m.
Vidi Vici (box six) is maturing into a handy performer and has scored wins at her last two starts, albeit both from box one.
She is drawn inside two tardy starters here so could get the room to get a clean run and lead them home.
For Bulli Monday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
