OVER The Border looks a good chance to continue trainer Paul Roderick’s “unbelievable” current run of success at Richmond tonight.
The greyhound jumps from box three in a competitive 5th grade event – the www.Richmondgreyhounds 1-2 Wins Stakes (race seven, 535m) - aiming for back-to-back triumphs.
OVER The Border’s victory OVER the 565m at Maitland on July 6 was among a treble of winners on the day for Roderick, who also scored a victory at Wentworth Park last Wednesday night with Mr. Vuitton.
“It’s unbelievable – I’m having to pinch myself, ” Hunter Valley-based Roderick said.
“I always thought the dogs could do it. They have ability – it was just taking a bit of time for them to come good.
“OVER The Border broke in really fast and I knew he could run. He’s inconsistent out of the boxes but is starting to improve now.”
OVER The Border is just one of the many greyhounds maturing into handy country track performers for Roderick.
“Patience is the most important thing a greyhound trainer can have,” Roderick said.
“It’s just been about perseverance and trying new things. He handled the Richmond well last time and although it’s a hard run at Richmond, he’s well up to this distance.
“He’s never had an inside draw so this draw should help as well.”
Victory would also be a welcome present for Roderick, who celebrates a birthday on Monday.
“I’ve actually got my perfect birthday present as I’m going to Hawaii on holidays shortly,” he said.
“This would definitely be a nice bonus.”
In other Richmond action tonight, MACK Tux (pictured), a finalist in this year’s Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg looks the best bet in the night’s free-for-all penrithelectrical.com.au Stakes (race five, 400m).
MACK Tux is a proven short course performer and won OVER this trip two starts back from the same draw.
Last year’s Group 3 Spring Puppy Classic winner Shy Gambler looks ideally positioned in box one to win the 5th grade Kevin Waters Towing 1-2 Wins Stakes (race six, 600m).
Shy Gambler returned from a long lay-off with a sixth place OVER the 520m at Dapto last start and should be fitter for that run.
Sherbini is a handy newcomer for premier trainer Mark Gatt and can win the first heat of the 4/5th grade electricansupplies.com.au 1-2 Wins Series (race nine, 618m).
The daughter of multiple champion My Bro Fabio and Hidden Assets has won three of five starts so far and scored a smart win OVER this trip last week.
For Richmond Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
