Sydney’s traffic snarls could not stop Knight Sprite earning his place in this Friday’s Group 2 Remedial Waterproofing Richmond Derby (535m) and he looks the one to beat in the final.
Gayle Masterson’s greyhound is the red hot $1.80F with Sportsbet for the decider after his impressive 30.40 victory in last Friday night’s heats.
Now boasting the consistent record of 23 wins and 16 minor placings from 49 starts, Knight Sprite’s hopes were further boosted when he drew box four for the decider.
He has won twice and placed once on his three previous starts wearing the blue rug, as well as triumphing on his last two visits to Richmond.
Hunter Valley-based Masterson and her greyhound had a much-delayed journey to the races thanks to typically gridlocked Friday evening traffic – but it didn’t seem to worry Knight Sprite one bit.
“I think we set off at 2.30pm and didn’t get here until 6.10pm,” owner-trainer Masterson said. “It was crazy.
“It doesn’t bother him thankfully – he just lies in the back and takes it all in his stride.
“He has a decent record from box four (but) I don’t think draw will too much as he can win from anywhere.
“I won’t be over-confident but I’m sure he can run a good race.”
In-form Brad Hill Billy (box three, pictured) is $4.80 with Sportsbet after his 30.71 heat win and looks arguably the toughest opponent to Knight Sprite.
Last year’s Group 2 Bob Payne Spring Sprint winner has won four of his five starts and has the explosive early speed to lead the field.
La Grand Logie (box seven, $8.50) was a sound 30.68 winner in his heat and has now won 22 of his 64 races, but would have appreciated an inside draw.
He has won three of his six previous starts from box seven, however, and cannot be discounted.
The Derby is part of a terrific night’s racing at Richmond that also includes the Group 2 Unibet Richmond Oaks.
Mitcharlie Mia (box two) is the $3F with Sportsbet for the females-only race after scoring her fourth successive victory in last Friday night’s heats.
The NSW Northern Rivers star was a blistering 30.46 winner and should relish this draw.
All A Blaze (box three, $3.60) and Star Torana (box four, $5.50) are both in strong form and also look contenders, but the real danger could be Duna Runa.
The former Victorian ($5), now based in the gun NSW Hunter Valley kennel of Jason Mackay, has won her last three starts.
She produced a brave 30.41 display in the heats and has won two of her three previous starts from box five.
Both races are worth $36,000 to the winner and are part of a terrific night’s racing at the western Sydney track.
For Richmond Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
For Sportsbet’s prices on Richmond Friday, click here.
Group 2 Richmond Oaks Box Draw: 1. Weblec Belle ($9) 2. Mitcharlie Mia ($3) 3. All A Blaze ($3.60) 4. Star Torana ($5.50) 5. Duna Runa ($5) 6. Outside Pass ($13) 7. Eva Diva ($15) 8. Good Odds Regina ($15). 1R: Where Art Thou 2R: Mepunga Rosie
Group 2 Richmond Derby Box Draw: 1. Opus Forte ($7) 2. Cobber In Motion ($18) 3. Brad Hill Billy ($4.80) 4. Knight Sprite ($1.80) 5. Rudianos ($7.50) 6. Black Driftwood ($26) 7. La Grand Logie ($8.50) 8. Sir Charleton ($15). 1R: Ritza Rossi, 2R: Alpha Hermes.
