Dubbo holds fond memories for trainer John Chapman and he hopes his consistent greyhound Almost Black can land the city’s biggest greyhound race – the Ladbrokes Dubbo Gold Cup - on Friday night.
Chapman rugs up Almost Black in $10,000-to-the-winner cup (516m) with the in-form greyhound looking a decent value chance for the feature event.
Almost Black defeated a hot field including Nangar Bear, one of the state’s best greyhounds, in last week’s heats with a hugely impressive 30.00 run.
The greyhound faces a formidable field once again this week, but his chances have been boosted after drawing box two.
“He’s desperate for the rail so this draw is helpful,” Chapman, based at Lidsdale, just outside Lithgow, said.
“He doesn’t have dazzling early pace and he is a small greyhound – if he gets a bump or too it can put him out (of contention) – but he’s definitely a better greyhound from an inside draw.
“I think he can run quicker and he just needs to concentrate on getting to the first turn in the lead. If he does that then look out.”
Almost Black has scored two victories and two minor placings from four previous starts in box two.
“He’ll have to do everything right at box rise but he’s a 100 per cent chaser,” Chapman said.
“He’s always a chance. I remember I won the Mayors Cup, a big race at Dubbo, in 2013 with Zipping Logan, which was a good moment. I also remember Lithgow Panther, a greyhound I trained early in his career who has enjoyed a brilliant career in Victoria, won a race there too.
“It’s a good place, a good track – and I’d definitely like to win this one.”
Cowra trainer Paul Braddon has a trio of strong contenders in the final - Little Cindy (box three), Ferrero Miss (box four) and Falcon’s Fury (box eight)
Falcon’s Fury is Braddon’s kennel star, triumphing in this year’s Bulli and Bathurst gold cups and scoring a succession of flying wins, including a win in a heat of the Golden Easter Egg series earlier this month.
Falcon’s Fury can sometimes be tardy at box rise but ran a brilliant 29.35 in last week’s heats – just .05 outside the Dubbo track record – and likely start favourite for the Dubbo Gold Cup.
Outside the Braddon trio, in-form Mitra (box one) looks a winning chance.
Mitra saluted in last week’s heats with a smart 29.74 run from box four and has won three of his last four starts for trainer Neil Staines, who is currently enjoying a hot period of success.
Oldmate Archie (box five), Slamming Thunder (box six) and Starburst Bassy in box seven complete the field.
Eleven races are on the card at Dubbo this Friday and action starts at 6.42pm.
For Dubbo Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
