Lochinvar Hugo looks capable of returning to racing in style at Bulli on Saturday night.
The talented son of Barcia Bale and Lochinvar Vogue jumps from box two in the 5th grade Bulli Social Fishing Club (race three, 515m) aiming to further improve his impressive record of seven wins and six minor placings from 14 starts.
Lochinvar Hugo has been spelled since brilliantly winning the Gosford Goldmine over the 515m on June 27 with a commanding eight-length triumph.
Although this quality race includes Zipping Spring (box six), a winner of her last three starts and Little Cindy (box eight), a recent Wentworth Park winner from the strong Paul Braddon kennel, trainer Robert Smith believes his greyhound can win.
“It’s a tough race (but) I’m reasonably confident,” Smith said. “If he can stay up with them in the opening stages then he will be in contention.
“Box two will suit as he usually runs straight. If he gets no pressure from the outside here then he should run a good race.
“I trialled him over the 472m at Bulli last week and he went okay. He’s also run well at Maitland, a similar track to Bulli, so that may work in his favour too.”
Lochinvar Hugo first caught the eye with a scorching 29.52 victory over the 515m at Gosford on his second start back in January and has recorded several other notable victories.
He won over the 600m at LADBROKES GARDENS in a sizzling 34.55 and has placed three times in strong company at Wentworth Park as well.
“If he stays fit and happy, I plan on racing him for a couple of years yet,” Smith said. “Hopefully he will be around for a long time.
“I don’t have many greyhounds, so it’s a matter of picking the correct races and taking things slowly. I want to work him through the grades and see how he goes.
“After here I will likely go back to Maitland next week with him and then possibly to Wentworth Park.
“This is a big test in a good field but he’s a strong greyhound and is up to the task.”
In other action, track specialist File The Writ (box two) looks the best bet in the 4/5th grade Mr Bugs Pest Control Stakes (race four, 400m).
The Ruth Matic-trained greyhound, a winner of five of his last 10 visits to Bulli and 19 of his 47 races overall, saluted over this trip last week in a smart 22.46 and on current form looks the top pick in this field.
In-form Spring Jazz won on her first look at Bulli two starts back and can repeat that feat in the 5th grade Happy Birthday Shane Geloven Stakes (race five, 472m).
The Pamela Braddon-trained greyhound has won her last four races and five of her last six, including a 26.55 victory over this trip on July 8.
Spring Jazz is better drawn inside but with most of the opposition mixing form recently, she looks a strong chance to win again.
Hurricane Kai looks the latest talented newcomer from the premier Mark Gatt and looks hard to beat in the 5th grade Ladbrokes Cash-In 1-2 Wins Stakes (race six, 472m).
The son of Fabregas and Hurricane Beccy won over the 472m last week in an impressive 26.36 from the same draw and has placed twice at Bulli as well so far in his young career.
For Bulli Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
