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Impressive heat winner Egyptian Pirate looks capable of extending his unbeaten record in the feature race at Friday night's Richmond meeting.
The Dawn Garrett-trained newcomer jumps from box one in the Wentworthville Leagues Maiden Series Final (race 4, 535m) after winning on debut last week in dazzling fashion.
Egyptian Pirate zoomed home from box six in a smart 30.88, leaving the field trailing by five-and-a-quarter lengths.
Although Garrett thinks box one may not be a huge assistance for the decider, she believes her greyhound should be hard to beat.
“I was very impressed because he had only had only previously been over the 400 metres at Richmond in his trials,” Garrett said. “He’s a strong greyhound and covered the distance well.
“His run home time and trials indicate that he will run 600 metres so that’s what we’ll aim for with him.
“My only concern is that his box manners aren’t great so he could miss the kick.
“With his box manners then box one may not be the help it appears, but it’s obviously not a hindrance.”
Garrett’s greyhound looks to have the clear edge over this field with Rebel Lad (box four), who ran 31.26 behind Egyptian Pirate last week, the likeliest challenger.
Egyptian Pirate looks the latest handy performer for Garrett, who is best known in recent years for mentoring champion stayer Space Star for the first half of his career.
He is out of a promising litter out of Where’s Pedro and Little Egyptian that also includes Egyptian Spot, who also looks talented.
“Neither of them are Space Star but Egyptian Pirate is a good, honest greyhound,” Garrett said.
“Who knows – maybe down the track we might have a crack at Group race with him over the longer distance.”
In other Richmond Friday action, unbeaten Sannikin (box eight) aims for his third straight victory in the 5th grade Magic Sprite @Stud Stakes (race 10, 400m).
A newcomer from the gun Kristy Sultana kennel, Cannikin has won twice from the same box at Bulli and Maitland.
War Cry (box four) stepped up to the middle distances impressively last week and looks the top pick in the first 5th grade Giavisor Australia Distance heat (race six, 618m).
The Ross McDougal-trained greyhound won in a sound 35.69 at Richmond last week and has saluted in three of his last five starts.
There looks several chances in a very competitive second heat (race nine), with in-form Husvinu (box six) looking the best bet.
The classy Ron Bell-trained greyhound has the terrific record of five wins and three minor placings in eight starts over the 600m and is aiming for a hat-trick in this race.
For Richmond Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
