Dynamite Diesel is primed as the one to beat in tonight’s Ladbrokes Maiden Series Final (race one, 535m) at Richmond.
The George Borg-trained greyhound jumps from box three in the decider after clocking a hard-fought 31.14 triumph from box one in last week’s heats.
Dynamite Diesel is well drawn again for this race and despite facing likely challengers Ritza Presley (box two) and impressive heat winner Iona Flyer in box six, he looks capable of triumphing again.
“He’s got a chance,” Borg said.
“I was disappointed with the time last week. He’s a better dog than that, although in fairness he did cop a check down the back straight.
“He still managed to win by four lengths which is encouraging at least.
“I daresay that Ritza Presley is the big threat. She did cop a check in the same race last week as well.
“He will have to improve time-wise (to win this) but I think he’s capable of going better tonight.”
Last week’s four-and-a-quarter length victory was Dynamite Diesel’s first in three attempts after two previous unsuccessful races at Richmond.
The well-bred son of Barcia Bale and Lagoon Lowanna also recorded an impressive performance trial victory over the 450m at Bathurst last month and is showing signs of going over further than this.
“I believe so,” he said. “His mother was a top grade stayer and you saw last week how he ran away from the rest.
“He has run a very strong 400 metre up the straight which shows he might go over further.
“He needs to improve time-wise but I’m fairly confident he can win this.”
In other Richmond Friday action, Cardiology drops back to 535m for the first time in seven months but still looks the one to beat in the Wentworthville Leagues Club Stakes (race eight, 535m).
The Kayla-Jane Coleman-trained greyhound has been one of NSW’s leading stayers in recent months, winning the recent NSW Distance title and building an impressive record of 14 wins and nine minor placings in 33 starts.
She has won twice and placed once in three previous starts wearing the red rug and with three previous wins over the 535m and a smart best of 30.46 at the western Sydney track, should be too good for these.
Gold Air (box seven) looks to have a strong chance of continuing her strong recent form with victory in the Swift Fancy @ Stud Stakes (race four, 400m).
The Wayne Boreland-trained greyhound has won her last two starts, clocking a sound 23.13 triumph over the 400m at Richmond last week from box two.
Winsome April (box seven) has been racing soundly in recent weeks and looks the top pick in the Sires On ice 1-3 Wins Stakes (618m, race five).
The John Finn-trained greyhound has won twice and placed three times in her last five starts and saluted over the 618m at Richmond last week in a smart 35.88.
She can be a slow beginner but should have enough to overcome this company.
For Richmond Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
