Victorian based greyhound Up Hill Jill can enjoy a successful return to NSW in tonight’s heats of the Group 2 Ladbrokes Richmond Oaks (535m).
Last year’s Group 2 Laurels Classic winner, who also placed in January’s Group 1 National Futurity at Wentworth Park during her last visit to NSW, jumps from box eight in first of four quality heats of the $40,000-to-the-winner female greyhounds only series.
This will be Up Hill Jill’s first go at the 535m but she is racing superbly at the moment, scoring a smart 30.10 win over the 525m at Traralgon on her last start.
She faces a good field which includes the in-form Veetee Swift (box one) and National Futurity winner Striker Light (box three), but her trainer David Geall is optimistic his greyhound can salute.
“I would have preferred an inside draw but we’ll take this,” Geall said.
“I’m a little concerned about the distance but her run home times at Traralgon and Wentworth Park were both terrific.
“Veetee Swift is a super greyhound and looks ideally drawn, while Striker Light is fantastic too. Whether mine can cross them, I don’t know.
“She loves the fence and has drawn a lot of box twos and fours – I’m hoping she’ll have the same enthusiasm to cross over and find the lead from box eight.”
Up Hill Jill’s strong recent form has extended her record to a formidable 12 wins and seven minor placings from 22 starts.
This is his her first look at Richmond but she won first up at Geelong and Warragul and has placed once in her two previous starts wearing the pink rug.
“She absolutely loves racing and travels beautifully,” Geall said. “She charges into the van and cannot wait to get going.
“Since she ran at Wentworth Park she seems to have stepped up a notch again with those runs at Traralgon. She keeps stepping up and getting the job done.
“I’m not as confident as I was coming up to Wentworth Park but she’s got a good chance.”
Recent Orange Cup winner Kilkee May (box one) looks well drawn to take out heat two of the Oaks, while hot newcomer Marj Petal (box seven) looks capable of taking out heat three.
Mumma Josie (box one), from the gun Victorian kennel of Jeff Britton, is also in super form and looks the top pick in heat four.
The night also features for heats of the $40,000-to-the-winner Group 2 Ladbrokes Richmond Derby (535m), which is open to male greyhounds.
Brad Hill Bill (box five), arguably NSW’s most consistent greyhound over the last two years, looks the top pick in heat one ahead of recent Group 2 Bulli Gold Cup winner Barking Bad (box one).
Wicked Warrior (box four), from the top NSW kennel of Jason Magri, has won his last five starts and looks ready to triumph again in heat two.
Patch Adam (box one) is having his first run for almost two months but has previously clocked a smart 30.42 over this trip and looks the top pick in heat three.
Bulli 515m track record holder El Magnifico (box seven) is one of NSW’s fastest greyhounds on his day and can salute in the fourth Derby heat.
The four winners and runners-up progress to next Friday’s finals, part of a terrific night’s racing at the western Sydney track.
For Richmond Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
