Eye-catching trio Little Black Joe, Viva Opal and Phil’s Green look among the ones to watch in Thursday’s Future Stars Classic (450m) heats at Maitland.
Odi Sannette and Son of Katie also look standout chances in the eight heats of the $7000-to-the-winner race, which features some of NSW’s most promising newcomers.
Little Black Joe looks ideally positioned in box one to win heat one for local trainer Jeff Jaeger.
The son of Hurricane Luke and Maggies A Legend has enjoyed two sound performance trials, including a smart 22.50 run over the 450m at Maitland last week.
Viva Opal (box six) also looks a talented newcomer and looks the best bet in heat six.
The well-bred son of Barcia Bale and Glamorous Opal ran a sound 23.36 in a 400m performance trial at Unibet Gardens this week and seems a strong chance for local trainer Carol Hudson.
Phil’s Green (box six) also has a notable pedigree and looks the clear top pick in the seventh heat.
A son of Barcia Bale and 2013 Group 3 Magic Maiden winner Clockwise, the Jane Carruthers-trained greyhound sped home by three lengths in a sizzling 22.47 performance trial over the 400m at Maitland earlier this month.
Others to watch in the series include Odi Sannette (box two, heat three), who had an impressive 23.11 performance trial over the 400m at the Gardens on October 1 and Son of Katie (box one, heat eight), a newcomer from the gun Christine Proctor kennel.
The eight heat winners from the series qualify for next Thursday’s decider at the Hunter Valley track.
Last year’s Future Stars Classic winner Miss Foxy Lee has since enjoyed a sparkling career for gun western Sydney mentor Dean Swain, extending her prize money earnings to more than $70,000.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
