Noelene Walsh is confident Thunda Struck can repeat his impressive Dubbo form at Bathurst this afternoon.
The impressive newcomer, who has won four of his seven starts so far, makes his debut at Bathurst from box one in the 5th grade Murphy’s Pre Ed @Rearing Stakes (307m, race two).
Thunda Struck’s impressive record includes breaking the track record over the 317m at Dubbo last month with a scorching 17.97 win.
He finished second behind classy Susannah Cargo at his last start on February 1 and owner-trainer Walsh said her greyhound was primed for another win today.
“He’s raring to go,” she said.
“He hasn’t seen Bathurst before so box one is an advantage today, although I don’t think the box matters as he has great early pace. He has a great deal of ability and I just hope he is not over-keen today.”
Walsh, who works out of Coolabah in western NSW, is aiming Thunda Stuck for the forthcoming April Dubbo carnival and hopes to step him up in distance shortly.
“He showed a fair bit of promise in his early days and he comes from breeding that has shown good short coursing ability,” she said.
“He’s trialled over the 400 metres and I’m confident he will have a 400 metre career, although I’m not sure about the 500 metres yet.
“I think there’s nine races in Dubbo for the carnival so I’m hoping to keep him fit and ready for that.”
In other action at Bathurst this afternoon, Handsome Devil (box three) looks a strong chance to return to winning ways in race four over the 520m.
The Barry Elms-trained greyhound finished second behind Group winner Brad Hill Billy over the 520m at Bathurst last week but has scored seven wins from 12 starts and should be too good for these.
In-form Molly Maze (box one) looks capable of saluting in a terrific-looking Bathurst RSL Club Sprint Series (race six, 450m).
She was a smart 26.11 winner in last week’s heats and although sometimes not the best beginner, she should be helped by this box draw.
Little Gysmo (box six) is another classy Bathurst performer and should score another win in race seven over the 450m.
The newcomer has won three of her five starts so far – all at Bathurst – and ran a smart 26.06 to win at the track on February 1.
For Bathurst Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
