Dynamite Diesel looks capable of continuing his terrific return to racing with victory in the feature event at Richmond this evening – the Steeline Riverstone Razldazl Final (535m, race eight).
The lightly raced greyhound jumps from box three in the $5000-to-the-winner race aiming to further extend his record of four wins and a placing from 12 starts so far.
Dynamite Diesel has returned superbly from a seven-month spell, finishing fifth at Bulli over the 400m before scoring back-to-back victories over the 535m at Richmond.
The well-bred son of group race winners Barcia Bale and Lagoon Lowanna clocked a smart 31.22 victory in last week’s heats and trainer George Borg believes his greyhound can continue his improvement.
“I suppose I’m not surprised how well he’s come back," Borg said. "He's always shown he had talent.
“He’s a big greyhound – 35.5 kilograms – and he looks so awkward.
“Having said, he’s always had ability and I would think he’s got a couple of Wentworth Park wins in him in his career. I’d still look for a bit more improvement in him yet.”
Dynamite Diesel’s recent times have not matched his 30.08 best over this trip, recorded in September last year, but all four of his career victories so far have come at Richmond over the 535m.
Good Odds Ava (box seven) ran a strong 30.86 from this same box at Richmond last month, while Victor Charlie (box one) has mixed form recently but ran a decent 30.79 over this trip last month.
Centavos (box two) has won four of his five starts, including a 31.48 effort in last week’s heats.
“The track was quite slow last week,” Borg said. “I’d be surprised if all the greyhounds don’t race quicker than last week.
“I expect the greyhounds in boxes one or two to hold the key to the race. They both went well last week and appear better boxed this time around.
“Mine will have to nail the start. If he does that, he’s a chance.”
Meanwhile, in-form Elantris looks the top pick in a quality 4/5th grade Castlewood Kitchens Final (race six, 618m).
The John Callaughan-trained greyhound has stepped up well to the middle distances, winning her last two starts including a smart 36.07 victory over this trip last week.
Recent Golden Easter Egg finalist Mack Tux (pictured, box seven) is resuming after a three-week freshen up, but should have too much class for the field in the ninth race of the night – the penrithelectrical.com.au Stakes - a non-grade event over the 400m.
The Bruce King-trained greyhound has built the sound record of 12 wins and 11 minor placings from 30 starts and has scored five wins and five minor placings from 11 previous starts over this trip.
Watch the Wasp (box seven) has mixed form since running a track record in a performance trial over the 535m at Bathurst in March but can win race 10 – a 5th grade over 535m – if he is at his best.
For Richmond Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
