Brilliant newcomer Shima Bar will start his campaign for consecutive NSW Group 1 titles this Saturday at Wentworth Park.
The Andrea Dailly-trained greyhound jumps from box four in the fourth of five $75,000-to-the-winner Group 1 National Derby (520m) heats, which are open to male greyhounds whelped on or after July 1, 2014.
Shima Bar was a dazzling winner of last Saturday night’s Group 1 Paws Of Thunder (520m) at the Sydney circuit and with nine wins from 13 starts is one of the country’s most promising stars.
Fellow Victorian Lightning Frank, winner of the Group 1 Silver Chief earlier this month, jumps from box three in the second heat and looks a strong contender.
Others to watch include last month’s Group 3 Christmas Gift winner Royal Turbo (box seven, heat three), Group 1 Silver Chief finalist Matt Machine (box six, heat three) and Paws Of Thunder placegetter Falcon’s Fury (box three, heat five).
Best value chance for the series could be the Darren Sultana-trained Better Call Sloy, who has won four of his last seven visits to Wentworth Park.
Better Call Sloy jumps from box eight in heat five.
The five heat winners and three fastest runners-up progress to the decider.
Saturday night’s racing also features four heats of the $75,000-to-the-winner Group 1 National Futurity (520m), which is open to female greyhounds whelped on or after July 1, 2014.
Victorian Up Hill Jill, winner of last month’s Group 2 Laurels Classic at Sandown Park, jumps from box two in the fourth heat.
NSW newcomer Little Nangar, who ran a blistering 29.91 at Wentworth Park last Saturday night and looks a big threat, jumps from box five in heat one.
Others to watch include Paws Of Thunder finalist Striker Light (box six, heat one), Swift Ella (box one, heat two), Mainline Osti (box one, heat three) and Ebby Chance (box eight, heat four).
Best roughie chance for the series could be Victorian Kumbia Lass, who jumps from box eight in heat three.
One of the stars of the gun Angela Langton kennel, Kumbia Lass scored a 30.08 win on her first look at Wentworth Park last Saturday night.
The four heat winners and four runners-up progress to the decider.
The finals of both races will take place on Saturday, February 4.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
