Twelve Months of hopes will be realised for Gayle Masterson when her greyhound Knight Sprite lines up for this Saturday’s Group 1 Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg (520m).
The recent Group 2 Richmond Derby winner (pictured) is arguably NSW’s best challenger for this Saturday’s $250,000-to-the-winner decider at Wentworth Park after qualifying narrowly second behind Moreira in Saturday’s semi-final.
Knight Sprite, who has drawn box five for the final, extended his terrific recent form to five wins and five minor placings in his last 10 starts with his effort.
Owner-trainer Masterson said Saturday night’s race would cap an amazing year for her greyhound.
“He won his third Wentworth Park start on last year’s Golden Easter Egg night and ran faster than the greyhound who was third (in the Egg),” she said. “I can remember thinking, ‘if only he could be in the Egg next year’ – and now he is.
“I don’t think the draw matters as he puts in a good race anywhere.
“He was a bit flat last week after the Richmond Derby but he’s looking fantastic now. A gentle run during the week will set him up nicely.”
Knight Sprite was pipped on the post by Moreira">Moreira after leading for most of the semi-final.
Moreira (29.93) edged it by a neck, with Knight Sprite – Masterson’s best greyhound in some three decades of training - running 29.95.
The run extended Knight Sprite’s overall record to a solid 24 wins and 18 minor placings from 53 starts and also ensured another crack at a major title for Masterson’s greyhound, after his earlier 2016 wins in the Richmond Derby and Group 2 Gosford Cup.
“Apparently I have to book a bus down here next week to bring down my family – and pay for a table as well,” Hunter Valley-based Masterson said with a grin. “I’ll have to buy myself something nice to wear as well.
“It’s fine though – this has been the best 12 months I’ve ever had.
“I wasn’t too disappointed he finished second as the important thing was to qualify. He did that and I think he can go better (in the final).
“One things’s for sure – I’m not going to work this week. I am staying right by his side to make sure he’s got all he needs for Saturday.”
Two other NSW hopes, Brad Hill Billy and Mitcharlie Mia, look to have drawn well in boxes two and eight respectively.
Brad Hill Billy, who won the fourth semi-final in 29.85, has scored four wins and five minor placings in his nine previous starts with the checks.
Mitcharlie Mia finished second to Dawkins Bale and has won once and placed three times in four previous starts wearing the pink rug.
Last year’s runner-up Dawkins Bale will likely start favourite in the final from box four after qualifying with a terrific 29.71 run from the same draw.
Moreira (box one), first semi-final winner Rare Pearl (box three), Asa Killa Queen (box six) and Blue Revolver (box six) will round out the field.
The Group 1 Ladbrokes Golden Egg highlights a tremendous night’s racing at Wentworth Park this Saturday featuring six finals.
