Maxwell Rimmer is confident his exciting newcomer Patch Adam can make a winning return in tonight’s Group 2 Richmond Derby (535m) Heats.
Patch Adam jumps from box seven in the second of three Heats of the $40,000-to-the-winner series (race five) aiming to continue his unbeaten record wearing the black rug.
The greyhound clocked an impressive 30.42 winning on his only previous start over this trip on December 31 but has not raced since being injured while fifth in a Group 1 Paws Of Thunder Heat six weeks ago.
He faces a hot field in this race but Hunter Valley-based owner-trainer Rimmer said his greyhound had prepared excellently for the series.
“He’s had that break but he’s absolutely flown round in trials,” Rimmer said. “He’s looking good.
“He was broken in at Richmond and went very well on his only previous run there, so he likes the track.
“I’m not sure why he goes better from wider - whether it’s because he sees the hare better - but he usually jumps well from out wide and he’s won his two previous starts from box seven.
“He’s looking good and I think he can win.”
That dominant 12-length win on his last appearance at Richmond has helped Patch Adam build the sound record of six wins and four minor placings in 15 starts so far.
He first caught the eye with a sizzling 29.43 win over the 515m at Unibet Gardens in November and has since run some fine races in strong company.
Patch Adam will have to be at his best in this race, though, with the hot field including Bulli 515m track record holder El Magnifico (box one) and recent Group 1 National Derby winner Big Daddy Bee in box six.
“This is a bloody hard race,” Rimmer said. “You’ve also got Explosive Range in box five who is going very well and the rest are very good too.
“He’ll have to be on his toes but that trial has give me plenty of confidence.
“If he jumps well he can win this.”
Heat one looks arguably the toughest of the three Heats, with a host of quality greyhounds vying for a place in the final.
Wicked Warrior (box four) has won his last five starts but faces Group race winners Barking Bad (box one) and Brad Hill Billy (box seven) as well as hot newcomer Kong in box five.
NSW superstar Ritza Lenny, who has a stunning best of 30.32 at Richmond, looks the top pick from box six in Heat three.
The three Heat winners, runners-up and two fastest placegetters progress to next Friday’s final.
Tonight’s meeting also features four Heats of the $40,000-to-the-winner Group 2 Richmond Oaks, which is open to female greyhounds only.
Ones to watch include recent Group 1 National Futurity winner Striker Light and fellow hot Victorian Up Hill Jill, who jump from boxes five and six respectively in Heat one.
Another eye-catching contenders include track specialist Ebby Chance (box five, Heat two), hot newcomer White Sox Ethics (box two, Heat three) and gun Northern Rivers greyhound Two Jay (box eight, Heat four).
The four Heat winners and runners-up progress to next Friday’s decider.
For Richmond Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
