Edmund O’Brien is confident Listen Up Jessie can return in style at Goulburn on Tuesday afternoon.
Listen Up Jessie jumps from box two in the Mellcat Cleaning Stakes (race 11, 440m) aiming for a fifth consecutive victory.
After placing on debut over the 330m at Richmond last November, Listen Up Jessie clocked up a fourth straight win by saluting over the 400m on New Year’s Eve at the western Sydney track.
She has been sidelined since that win but enjoyed a decent trial at Richmond recently and looks capable of bouncing back with a win here.
“I’m fairly confident in her chances,” trainer O’Brien said.
“Unfortunately she’s had a couple of injuries since that run but she trialled well at Richmond and seems to be right again.
“This draw is a big help to her chances – really, the closer to the fence, the better as far as she’s concerned.
“She should be up to this class of field and she’s run the 400 (metres) at Richmond, so I think she can run – and win – this.”
Three of Listen Up Jessie’s wins have come at Goulburn – albeit over the 350m – and if in full fitness she looks ready to salute again.
The well-bred daughter of Shakey Jakey and Nitro Snap could face competition though from Black Lagoon (box one), who is out of form but is a city class greyhound on his day.
Varuna (box two) was an impressive winner at Goulburn last week and looks the day’s best bet in the third heat of the 5th grade Palmerbet Goulburn-Richmond Series (race seven, 350m).
The Neil Staines-trained newcomer clocked a speedy 19.84 winning over this distance and looks to have the right draw to lead them home again.
Turbo Blaze (race five, box two), Gazza Tron (box eight, race six) and Kenny’s Shadow (box eight, race eight) look the top chances in the three other heats.
Sandave Cruise (box eight) was another eye-catching winner last week and looks the top pick in the day’s feature race, the 5th grade Palmerbet 1-3 Wins Final (race four, 440m).
The Paul Claridge-trained greyhound, a son of champion El Grand Senor and Made To Cruise, has gone unplaced in two starts from the wide draw but clocked a smart 24.86 winning his heat last week – albeit from box one – and looks to be back in good form after a recent five-week break.
For Goulburn Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
