Ruth King believes her exciting newcomer Benteke can return to winning ways at this week’s Bulli meeting on Friday night.
Benteke exploded on to the NSW greyhound racing scene with two dominant wins in the Group 3 Magic Maiden series at Wentworth Park to begin his career.
But after taking out his Magic Maiden semi final by eight lengths, Beteke has been unable to register another win managing fifth in the Magic Maiden final before a third placing at Dapto a fortnight ago.
He will now make his Bulli debut in the 5th grade ladbrokes.com.au Stakes (race five, 515m) and King expects a bold showing from her greyhound.
“He is looking good for this,” King said.
“He qualifies for the Dapto Puppy Auction, so we wanted to give him a run down there. I don’t think Dapto is a track that suits him, though, so we didn’t see him at his best.
“He has trialled well at Bulli (including a 22.35 performance trial over the 400m in January), however, and the big open track down there should really suit him.
“Box eight shouldn’t give him too much trouble as long as he comes out okay and I am expecting him to run a decent race.”
Benteke’s toughest opponent looks like Windaroo Lad (box three), who has scored a win and three placings over the last month for trainer Jenny Brown.
This is his first start over the 515m at Bulli but he has won once and placed twice wearing the white rug and won twice over the 472m at the track.
Another exciting pup, Elantris, makes his competitive return in race two (472m) and looks a decent winning chance.
The John Callaughan-trained newcomer (box three) has not raced since finishing fifth on debut at Bulli over the 472m in February, but prior to that had trialled at Bulli in an impressive 26.10.
Hardaway Highway’s run of victories was finally broken at Richmond last start but he can return to winning ways in race six over the 472m.
Ronnie Marsden’s greyhound (box two) won eight consecutive races – including three at Bulli - before finishing third at Richmond last week.
Dekka Spectre (box five) has also been in terrific form recently but from this draw Hardaway Highway looks the top pick.
Exciting talent Super Senor (box two) also looks capable of returning to winning ways in race seven over the 400m.
The Julie Fletcher-trained greyhound has not been sighted for more than a month but has won three times at Bulli over this distance, including a 22.24 effort in February.
For Bulli Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
