A favourable draw has boosted Magic Spring’s quest for back-to-back Group titles as Friday night’s Group 2 Ladbrokes Cyril Rowe Bulli Gold Cup (472m) kicks off.
The recent Group 1 National Derby winner (pictured) jumps from box three in the second of four high-quality heats of the $40,000-to-the-winner series.
This is Magic Spring’s first competitive race at Bulli but he did break the 450m track record at Maitland – a similar “one-turn” track to Bulli – in November and has won three of his eight starts wearing the white rug.
He also faces a stack of pace on his inside in the shape of both Cosmic Break (box one) and El Magnifico in box two but owner-trainer Noelene Holloway believes her greyhound can still figure.
“I’ve given him a trial at Bulli and he went okay,” she said. He’s also had a rest (since the Derby) and is looking good.
“He loves Maitland so Bulli should suit him and although this 20 metres longer (than his Maitland record), he can handle the distance.
“I like him from box three rather than being out wid. He can get to the front nice and early, which will be key.
“This is a very tough race but he’s in great condition and ready to go.”
Magic Spring’s commanding Derby triumph took his career record 14 wins and nine minor placings from 33 starts.
Last month’s Gosford Gold Cup Knight Sprite is capable of challenging from box four but Magic Spring may have the edge with this draw.
Magic Spring’s victory in the National Derby was a first Group 1 title for Holloway, who has been training greyhounds for about 10 years.
“I don’t think it’s changed anything much,” she said. “I think you just keep getting up every morning and doing your best for the greyhounds.
“What was wonderful was being congratulated by other trainers and owners (after the race). I think that camaraderie makes it all worthwhile.
“If you didn’t have that support, I don’t think racing would be worthwhile.”
Exciting newcomer Ritza Lenny will jump from box three in heat one. Ritza Lenny, trained by Mark Gatt, is unbeaten from this draw and won two of his three previous visits to Bulli so looks looks the top pick in heat one.
Kihael Kaluna (box six), another from the gun Gatt kennel, is arguably the top pick in heat three.
A winner of seven of his 15 starts so far, he has won all three of his previous visits to Bulli and one of his two previous starts from box six.
Star Torana will jump from box one in the fourth heat fresh from her terrific 29.70 win from box two at Wentworth Park last Saturday night.
She has won three of her four previous visits to Bulli and is very strong from the inside, having won twice and placed twice from four previous starts wearing the red rug.
Dark Magnum (box five), who won from box four at Bulli last Friday night and has won two of his three previous trips to the NSW South Coast track, looks a decent value chance for the series.
The final of the Group 2 Ladbrokes Cyril Rowe Gold Cup takes place next Friday and headlines a terrific night’s action at Bulli.
For Bulli Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
