Dennis Barnes has credited the hard work of son-in-law CHRIS Spratt as the spur for Nangar Flash standout run in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg heats.
Nangar Flash (pictured) was one of the most impressive winners from Saturday night’s heats, defeating a high-quality field with a scorching 29.66 run.
Jumping well from box four, Nangar Flash showed a great turn of foot on the final corner to win by commanding four-and-three-quarter lengths.
Trainer Barnes said the win, which continued Nangar Flash's good record at the Sydney track, was down to Spratt’s close relationship with the greyhound.
“Every time CHRIS handles Nangar Flash he seems to go well,” Lang said.
“CHRIS is always a great help around the kennels and he has a great affiliation with the greyhounds. We certainly won’t be changing anything this Saturday.
“We get such a thrill as a family going to Sydney for these big races, so this will be another wonderful night. It will be a lot nicer if we can get another win though.”
This was Nangar Flash eighth victory at Wentworth Park and Barnes said his greyhound is currently flying.
"We trialled him at Dubbo the week before (the heats) and he went brilliantly," Barnes said. “I believe he broke the second sectional record there (in the trial) so he was looking good,” Barnes said.
“He has the pace when he gets on the bunny to always be a threat in these races. I know it sounds silly with the amount of racing he has done but I feel he is learning to handle Wentworth Park.
“For some reason our greyhounds seem to get better as they get older as well. I suppose plenty of greyhounds do but ours certainly do.
“He’s always had real ability but maybe lacks a bit of early pace, but we’ve changed one or two things with him along the way and it has worked.”
The win continued Nangar Flash's strong record jumping from box four, from which he has won twice and placed twice in four previous starts.
“It may sound odd but I’d like (box) two, three or the four with him (in the semi finals),” Barnes, who works out the NSW Central base of Cudal, said.
“In the heat he moved to the middle of the track at the first turn, so maybe that’s the line he needs. I wouldn’t mind the eight though as he has a good record from out wide.”
Nangar Flash now takes his place in the semi-finals of the $250,000-to-the-winner series this Saturday, with the top two from each semi final qualifying for the Golden Easter Egg final on Easter Saturday (March 26).
The victory also capped a terrific week for Barnes, who celebrated his birthday three days before the heats.
“We got a win at Maitland last Thursday with Nangar Thunder, the greyhound we own,” Barnes said. “I couldn’t have asked for more.
“It will obviously be tougher this Saturday night but on current form he’s got a chance of doing well.”
