One of NSW's longest standing track records could be under threat at Bathurst on Monday when crack staying trio Midnight Treat, Big Daddy Bee and Ebby Ripper clash over 700 metres.
The star trio compete in the day's sixth race ahead of a likely forthcoming re-match in the heats of the NSW Distance Championship next month.
The enigmatic Sand Burner set the record of 40.99 over this trip when he won in December 2010.
Local Cowra trainer Geoff Curtale said Ebby Ripper might have the best chance of setting a new track best.
"I doubt Sand Burner's record can be broken although Ebby Ripper, with a clear run, might have a chance on a fast track," Curtale said.
"I don't think Big Daddy Bee can break Sand Burner's record because in May Big Daddy Bee went like a Lear jet over 700m at Bathurst and led all the way, but only ran 41.31.
"On his day Sand Burner was an out and out freak although he sent his many trainers crazy because he would go like a champ in one race, and not chase in another.
"When he clocked 40.99 he ran home at the end of 700m in 10.92.
"If a dog runs home in 11 seconds flat at the end of 520m at Bathurst he is worth backing at Wentworth Park, yet Sand Burner went faster at the end of 700m, that's how good he was.''
Ebby Ripper's trainer Michael Eberand was cautious about his greyhound's chances of breaking the record.
"My greyhound is capable of breaking a record like this but because she gets back in her races she would need a small field to have any chance of doing so," he said.
For Bathurst Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
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Mark Gatt is not easily carried away by the performances of young greyhounds but the Thirlmere trainer is quietly excited by his staying prospect Sherbini.
The Sonia Davis-owned and bred greyhound, just 21 months old, scored her fourth win in six starts at Richmond on Friday night.
Sherbini came from third early and second on the home bend to win running away in a slick 35.68 for the 618m.
Sherbini is a daughter of Hidden Assets, a marvellous producer whose earlier offspring Dokmai, Espanyol, Jingjing, Sawadee, Tullabung Rock and Yadi won 63 of their 203 races.
"I really like Sherbini as a future stayer and I am working her hard, getting some miles into her legs before stepping her up to 720 metres,'' Gatt said.
"Young sprinters need to go through the grades to acquire experience but it is different for middle and long distance performers.
"There's is less hustle and bustle in longer races and it does up-and-coming stayers good to compete against high quality opponents.
"One can never be sure whether a greyhound will run a strong 720 metres but Sherbini has handled everything I've thrown at her and she looks like a stayer, she is built like a big, long rake.''
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Charlie Riccio is not ashamed to admit he was choked with emotion when Mr Pupparazzi, named after his mate, the late George Cliff, won first-up at Wentworth Park last Wednesday night.
Renowned greyhound racing photographer Cliff, who died nearly two years ago, had a regular page in the Greyhound Recorder comprising his race night pics.
"Since George died I have been waiting to get a youngster good enough to name after him and Mr Pupparazzi is the best I have owned,'' owner-trainer Riccio said.
"George and I worked at Channel 7 together, along with Donnie Sutherland, who hosted a music show on the station.
"When Donnie and I agreed to get a greyhound, George decided to buy one as well and when he sought a trainer I recommended Tom Halley.
"I went to school with Tom and over many years he trained most of George's greyhounds.
"When Mr Pupparazzi went past the winning post in front on Wednesday night I had a tear or two in my eyes and looked up at the sky hoping George was watching proudly.''
