Patience could pay off for David Grant with Grant">Justa Grant looking a strong chance in today’s Ladbrokes Orange Cup (520m) heats at Bathurst.
The promising son of Collision and FINE And Fancy jumps from box six in the second of four heats aiming to score his third consecutive victory.
Justa Grant scored a smart 29.99 triumph over the 520m at Bathurst two starts back before saluting well again over the 535m at Richmond on December 31.
He has had one previous unsuccessful run from box six and faces some tricky opposition today but looks to be fulfilling his early potential for owner-trainer Grant.
“I was really impressed with his last run,” Grant, who works out of Canowindra in the NSW Central West, said.
“He had great potential as a young pup, including a really good performance trial at Richmond, but then unfortunately he had a toe problem which held him back.
“He’s been a handful to train but he looks like he’s coming good now.
“I would much prefer him drawn on the inside but he has raced well at Bathurst and I like his chances.”
Justa Grant’s career record of three wins and two minor placings from 11 starts also includes a notable 31.08 triumph over the 535m at Richmond in August last year.
Equal Ben (box one) has a terrific best of 29.83 at Bathurst – albeit a year ago – and looks dangerous, while Benji’s Friend (box two) is currently racing well.
Kilkee May (box one) enjoyed no luck at Dubbo last start but is much better than that performance and looks the best bet in the first heat (race five).
The Shannon Kirby-trained greyhound is unbeaten in two previous starts wearing the red rug and has scored five of her nine career victories at Bathurst.
Sweet Honey Zarr (box two) has been solid rather than spectacular recently but looks the standout pick in the third heat (race seven).
One of the stars of the gun NSW Southern Tablelands kennel of Neil Staines, Sweet Honey Zarr has won two of her four starts wearing the checks and races well over this distance.
Almost Black (box seven) was a smart winner over the 515m at Gosford last start and can salute again in the fourth and final heat.
The John Chapman-trained greyhound has won of her five starts from this draw and is a consistent performer at country tracks.
The four heat winners and runners-up progress to next Monday’s final at the NSW Central West track.
Fopr Bathurst Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
