Impressive newcomers Cosmic Bonus and Mister Twister step up their preparations for the forthcoming Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup at the NSW Central Coast track on Tuesday night.
Cosmic Bonus jumps from box five in the 5th grade Steve Whalland Race Images Stakes (race 10, 515m) aiming for a sixth win in his first seven starts.
After finishing eighth over the 450m at Maitland on November 10, the Evelyn Harris-trained greyhound scored a dominant nine-and-a-quarter length win over the 411m at Casino in 23.37 at his last start.
Tuesday’s race will be Cosmic Bonus’ first competitive look at the 515m at Gosford but Harris believes it could be a successful lead-up for the $40,000-to-the-winner Gosford Gold Cup, which starts with heats on Tuesday, December 27.
“I think he’ll go well (on Tuesday night),” she said.
“I think Gosford will suit him and although he’s not a lid-pinger, he has the strength for the 500 metres.
“He was unlucky at Maitland as he was badly hampered but I’ve been really impressed with him so far. He’s generally done everything right and I think he’ll be a good racer.
“Hopefully he can have a have a couple of decent runs there and get ready for the Gosford Cup.”
Meanwhile, recent Group 1 Vic Peters Classic runner-up Mister Twister (box eight, pictured) goes for a seventh career win in the 4/5th grade Ladbrokes.com.au Stakes (race seven, 515m).
The Jason Mackay-trained greyhound has already won three races at Wentworth Park and has been freshened up since finishing third at Gosford on November 15 behind winner Lochinvar Armour.
Mister Twister’s kennelmate Berzerk (box seven) looks capable of saluting in a high-calibre 3/4th grade Rapid Clean Central Coast Stakes (race six, 515m).
Berzerk finished seventh at his last start but clocked a sparkling 29.76 while winning over the 525m at Gosford on October 18.
Gate Blaster (box eight) faces some tough opposition in the Woy Woy Poultry Stakes (race eight, 600m) but looks capable of extending his impressive record of six wins and 11 minor placings from 24 starts.
The Paul Bigeni-trained greyhound has won twice and placed once in four previous starts from box eight and placed on his only other crack at the 600m at Gosford.
Impressive newcomer Far A Part (box three) returned to winning ways on her last start at Unibet Gardens and looks the clear top pick in the 5th grade Gosfordgreyhounds.com.au Stakes (race 11, 515m).
The Allan Buman-trained greyhound is having her first start at Gosford but has now scored three sizzling wins over the 515m at Unibet Gardens and looks a decent prospect.
For Gosford Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
