Exciting talent Mr. Shire looks capable of making a winning return at tonight’s Gosford meeting.
The son of Magic Sprite and Slick Exit, who has set three 600m track records at Unibet Gardens and is among the hottest prospects in NSW racing, jumps from box one in the Future Driver Training Stakes (race nine, 600m) aiming to further extend his outstanding record of 13 wins and nine minor placings from 23 starts.
Mr. Shire has also run some flying times at Gosford, is unbeaten in three previous starts from box one and has a smart best of 34.55 over this distance at the Central Coast track.
This will be his first run since placing over the 720m on November 5 at Wentworth Park but owner-trainer Bob McColm said there was nothing untoward about the absence.
“It’ll be great to see him back out there,” McColm said.
“There’s been nothing wrong with him. I wasn’t happy with that last run at Wentworth Park so I put him in the paddock for a while.
“It takes time to get him back up to the staying distance and with all the changeable weather we’ve had, it’s taken a while to get him racing.
“I trialled him (over the 500m) at the Gardens recently and he ran 29.45, which is decent.
“He’s ready to go and I’m sure he’ll be fine (for this).”
Mr. Shire was racing brilliantly prior to his break, scoring four wins in five starts and saluting twice over the 720m at Wentworth Park.
He looks the clear top pick in this race, although Golden Zipper (box four) is currently racing well and looks a threat.
McColm said he is priming his greyhound for the heats of the Group 3 Wentworth Park Gold Cup (720m), a $25,000-to-the-winner series.
“I didn’t want to bring him back over the 500 metres as there’s plenty too quick for him over that distance,” he said.
“I actually like box eight for him as he can run his own race from out there, but having said that he has a good record from box one. I’m sure it will suit him fine.
“He may be a little underdone for the Gold Cup heats, but that’s the aim.”
Another talented performer, Mister Cowora, looks the top pick from box six in race eight over the 515m.
The James McGlinn-trained greyhound has scored eight wins and nine minor placings from 20 starts and has won all three of his previous starts at his local track.
Gun Flash MACK (box four) scored a nice win at Gosford two starts back and can salute again in race 10 over the 515m.
Simply Roadster (box one) can finish the night’s action with victory over the 400m in race 11.
The lightly raced greyhound is having his first start in almost seven months but had built a decent record and if in full fitness can win this.
For Gosford Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
