Gayle Masterson is confident Knight Sprite can win from box six in tonight’s Group 2 Woy Woy Poultry Gosford Gold Cup (515m).
The 2016 champion (pictured) will wear the green rug in tonight’s $40,000-to-the-winner decider aiming to score his third Group title for Hunter Valley owner-trainer Masterson.
Knight Sprite will have to overcome recent Group 1 Melbourne Cup and Group 1 Vic Peters Classic winner Ando’s Mac, who scored a sizzling 29.49 victory in last week’s heats and looks ideally positioned in box one.
With last week’s heat's victory taking his record to six wins in seven visits to Gosford, though, Masterson thinks her greyhound could be hard to stop tonight.
“I was really impressed with his run last week,” she said. “I didn’t expect him to go as well as he did as it was only his third run in four weeks.
“He was pretty tired at the end but it was a fantastic effort.
“I think it’s between him and Ando’s Mac (for the title). Ando’s Mac is a obviously a brilliant greyhound but he can occasionally be slow out.
“If Knight Sprite jumps as well as he can then they’ll have a job to catch him.”
Knight Sprite has given Masterson the time of her life since debuting in September 2014.
The son of Magic Sprite and Jaydo’s Neglect has scored 30 victories and 26 minor placings from 73 starts, including wins in last year’s Gosford Cup and the Group 2 Richmond Derby.
He was typically impressive in last week’s heats, jumping well from box six and cruising home by two lengths in a smart 29.70.
The time was well below his track best of 29.40 but with three wins and two minor placings wearing the green rug, he looks well positioned to challenge for another Group title.
“The box really doesn’t matter with him,” Masterson said. “He won from box seven last year and if he jumps well, he has the speed to win.
“I think I’ll have a few nerves tonight but I try to keep calm as I think he can pick up on nerves.
“Lots of the family who came to watch him in the Golden Easter Egg last year have said they will come down again to watch. It’s going to be a night for everyone to enjoy.
“I think he’s in the twilight of his racing career now so I’m just trying to enjoy racing with him – whatever the result.”
Ando’s Mac looms as the big favourite, with the NSW superstar extending his career record to 18 wins and five minor placings from 31.
The Jason Mackay-trained son of El Grand Senor and Brook’s Doll has won five out of five from box one and has seven triumphs from his last eight starts.
Lochinvar Dash (box two) chased Ando’s Mac home hard last week and ran a terrific 29.64 at Gosford two starts back.
Eye-catching newcomer Black Hole Hole (box four) clocked a sound 29.64 in last week’s heats with a terrific come-from behind triumph, while Camden Gossip (box eight) is a track specialist and won last week in 29.74.
Srixon (box three), Aston Ebert (box five) and Barking Bad in box seven complete the field.
The Group 2 Woy Woy Poultry Gosford Gold Cup jumps at 9.38pm and is race eight of the 10-race card at Gosford.
For Gosford Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
