David Burnett is hoping his greyhound My Silver Chisel can score a poignant victory in Thursday night’s Group 2 Glen Gallon @ Stud Queensland Derby (520m) at Albion Park.
My Silver Chisel ($1.90F with Sportsbet) jumps from box one in the Derby fresh from his impressive 29.97 win in last week’s heats.
The greyhound is one of the last who was part-owned by Burnett’s long-term friend Cheryl Fleming, who sadly passed away from cancer two years ago.
Burnett, who also trained My Silver Chisel’s mother Silver Avenue for Fleming, said it promised to be an emotional night.
“My Silver Chisel was one of the last pups we bred with Cheryl,” he said.
“We said, these pups will keep you going but unfortunately she passed away soon after.
“I think there’s a dozen or so of her family and supporters coming up to watch the final. I’m hoping and praying he shoots out of the red and we win it for them.”
Last week was My Silver Chisel’s debut at Albion Park and he maintained his terrific travelling record with a commanding two-and-three-quarter length win.
He will have to be at his very best to take out the Derby though, with gun Queensland trainer Tony Brett lining up three runners in the feature event.
Brett’s best chance looks to be Thirty Talks (box six, $4.60), who made it six wins from eight starts in his heat with a 29.97 victory in last week’s heats from box one.
“Thirty Talks will be hard to beat but the reverse boxes this week have to be an advantage,” Burnett said.
“If (My Silver Chisel) gets round that first corner then it will be interesting to see what time he goes. I reckon he’s capable of going around 29.77, which would make his hard to beat.”
Another from the Brett kennel, Dundee Osprey (box eight, $4), ran 30.30 while finishing third behind My Silver Chisel last week but looks capable of improvement.
Recent Group 2 Ipswich Auction winner Magical Yessam (box seven, $26) continued his recent good form by qualifying with a placing last week and may be a decent value chance.
France Soir (box two), Gelantipy Gold (box three), Fabulous Bill (box four) and Zabdon Ferrari (box five) complete the field.
In other Albion Park Thursday action, the consistent Cyndie’s Magic (box three) can score a win in race eight over the 520m.
The 68-race veteran has won four of her last eight starts and although sometimes tardy early, her strength always makes her a major contender.
Ironbar Jill (box eight) ran well in the recent Group 2 Futurity series and can win an easier race ten over the 520m.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
