Romeo Reign is due a change of fortune and his trainer Mick Cope believes it could occur at Richmond tonight.
The promising son of El Grand Senor and Primal Sprit jumps from box three in the 5th grade Castlewood Kitchens Xmas 1-2 Wins Stakes (race seven, 535m) in his first appearance for more than three months.
Romeo Reign scored two wins and two minor placings from five starts - including a pair of triumphs over the 535m at Richmond - before being laid low by a virus.
He also has a Wentworth Park placing to his name and looks capable of making a winning return in this.
“I’m really excited to see him back,” Cope said.
“I thought he had a an exciting future but he’s had a bit of bad luck so far.
“I don’t know too much about the other greyhounds in this race but if he’s at his best he should be competitive, especially from this draw.
“I think Romeo Reign may need a couple of races under his belt to get back to top form but he’s looking good and is in decent condition.
“I think he’s a decent value chance for this race.”
Romeo Reign has clocked a decent 30.93 over this trip and also showed good speed in his 30.33 run at Wentworth Park.
Most of the strongest pace looks in the outside of this race, with last start winners Hyperactive (box six) and Golden Zipper in box seven looking dangerous opponents.
In other Richmond action tonight, Zambora Idol (box one) can continue his strong recent form with victory in a 5th grade event (race five, 618m).
The consistent Tony Spiteri-trained greyhound, a finalist in this year’s Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic, has scored one win and three minor placings in his last four starts and saluted at Richmond on November 18.
He has gone unplaced in two previous starts wearing the red rug but on current form should have too much for these.
Promising newcomer Egyptian Pirate (box one) looks capable of returning to winning ways in the #Richmond_Greys 1-2 Wins Stakes (race six, 535m).
The Dawn Garrett-trained pup finished fourth at Richmond on November 21 but won his first two starts – one with a Best of the Night run of 30.71 run on October 21.
Good Odds Ava (box three) can complete the quaddie with victory in the Direct Electrical Supplies 1-2 Wins Stakes (race eight, 535m).
An impressive newcomer from the strong Frank Hurst kennel, Good Odds Ava showed good pace while placing at Richmond on November 18 behind winner Destiny's Finest and also has a win at Dapto over the 520m to her name.
Ebby Ripper looks the night’s best in the 5th grade NYE Race Night Dec 31 1-3 Wins Stakes (race nine, 717m).
The Michael Eberand-trained greyhound has won three of her last five starts, including a triumph over the 720m at Wentworth Park on November 21, and looks a future decent stayer.
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