A good draw has the connections of Holme’s confident of another victory as the greyhound tackles tonight’s open grade Xmas Night December 16 Stakes (400m, race three) at Richmond.
Holme’s jumps from box one aiming for a fifth win in his last six starts, including a last start victory over the 400m at Richmond last week in a smart 22.63.
Holme’s trainer Ron Alcock gives his greyhound a strong chance of winning based on the inside draw.
“Obviously that draw is a big help, he loves to get to the rail and when he does he’s hard to run down,” Alcock said.
“I’m a bit worried about Steps In Time (box two) who comes out quick. She’s a handy greyhound and looks the biggest danger. Holme’s did everything right last week and if he does so again then he’ll be tough to beat.”
It could be a big night for Alcock, with the Belimbla Park trainer rugging up three chances in the 4/5th grade Castlewood Kitchens Stakes (race 11, 400m) - Khumba (box two), Sooky Oak (box three) and Switch Colours (box four) all looking decent chances.
Khumba has mixed form recently but placed at Richmond over this distance two starts back, while Sooty Oak and Switch Colours are solid performers at the provincial tracks.
“Last week (at Richmond) none of them jumped but they’re all a chance here,” Alcock said.
“Sooty Oak’s recent form isn’t great but he could be a decent each-way chance as this draw may help. Khumba usually moves to the rail, while Switch Colours usually moves out wide so that may give him a clear run.
“I’m not a betting man but Khumba loves the inside draws so with this draw I’d have to go with her.”
The night also features three heats of the Listed Globe Memorial Maiden Series (535m), which is worth $15,000 to the winner.
The Dawn Garrett-trained Egyptian Spot (box one) will be making his race debut and looks a strong chance in the first heat (race four) given his impressive 29.99 performance trial over the 515m at Gosford.
Another first starter, La La Lara (box two), from the gun Christine Proctor kennel, looks the best bet in the second heat (race five).
The newcomer has had three performance trials, showing good speed over the 400m at Richmond (23.03) and 515m at Gosford (30.48).
Reflected (box seven) finished second on debut over the 520m at Ipswich last month but can improve with a win in the third heat (race seven).
The three heat winners, runners-up and two fastest qualifiers progress to next Friday’s final.
For Richmond Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
