“He has to lead to win” – that is the verdict from trainer Garry Williams on his greyhound Reviewer’s chances of claiming this Saturday’s Group 1 Ladbrokes Vic Peters Classic (520m).
Reviewer (pictured) jumps from box seven in the $75,000-to-the winner-decider - one of NSW’s biggest races of the year - looking to cap an impressive series.
Blessed with terrific early pace, Reviewer has already won his heat and semi-final in smart fashion and looks well drawn for the final.
This is a first start from box seven for the impeccably bred son of Fabregas and Scissor Queen but he has won three out of three from box eight and the wide draw may have boosted his chances for Saturday’s final.
“It’s a decent draw but he has to make the best of it,” Williams said. “He’s got to lead as he’s not a greyhound that can come from the back to win.
“The good news is Srixon (in box eight) doesn’t look an amazingly quick starter, so hopefully mine will get the uninterrupted start he needs.
“His early pace is Reviewer’s best asset (but) he the big question is whether he can get round Ando’s Mac in box six to win.
“If he runs the early sectional that he can, he’s got a chance.”
Reviewer first caught the eye with a sound 29.96 victory on debut at Wentworth Park in June and he has since extended his record to an impressive six wins and two minor placings from 10 starts.
After a solid 30.05 triumph in the heats, he improved with a 29.98 victory in last Saturday night’s semi-finals to secure a fourth victory in seven visits to Wentworth Park.
Williams, a retired publican, has been training greyhounds for more than 40 years. He currently works a small team of greyhounds on his 400-acre property at Binda in the NSW Southern Tablelands.
His previous notable greyhounds include Dapto Maiden Classic finalist Arama Princess and Lithgow Golden Muzzle winner Beverage but a win in Saturday’s Group 1 would be his biggest achievement in the sport to date.
“When you get close to these big races but don’t get the wins you start to think, ‘will my chance ever come’,” Williams said. “I think you forget any nerves and just try and enjoy it.
“I think Reviewer can run 29.80 as an absolute best which gives him a chance, especially as the Wentworth Park track isn’t as quick as previously.
“I can’t be too confident looking at the calibre of greyhounds involved but he’s in contention.”
The decider, which features some of the country’s best young greyhounds, has been made even more competitive by the box draw.
Benteke (box one), trained by Brett Bravo, finished second in his semi-final but has won four out of four from the rails draw and has a sizzling best time at Wentworth Park of 29.67.
The Jason Mackay-trained Ando’s Mac (box six) has run two scorching times so far in the series, including a 29.65 semi final win, and will likely start the favourite, while kennelmate Mr Twister (box five) made it five wins from five his first five starts with his semi-final triumph in 29.94.
Wicked Warrior (box three) and Clock’s Ticking (box four), both from the Jason Magri kennel, are also both strong chances.
Likely outsiders Chaser (box two) and Srixon (box eight) complete the field.
The Group 1 Vic Peters Classic is part of a terrific night’s racing at the Sydney circuit this Saturday night.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields and form, click here.
