Off The Leash's plunge from contesting the National Derby to being in fifth grade and a shift from box eight to the rails makes the Amanda Brunton-trained greyhound look a safe bet at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
Off The Leash, who won at his only attempt from box one, will wear the red rug in race nine, a 520m fifth grade.
The dog ran a mighty second to Fernando Express in the equal fastest National Derby heat on January 27 but was never a chance in last week's final, when sixth from box eight.
"Off The Leash is raced by a syndicate of four who have not owned a greyhound previously,'' Brunton's partner Ken Burnett said.
"They bought him as a puppy and the quartet includes Josh Stuart, who played 133 first grade matches for North Sydney Bears and the Northern Eagles between 1993 and 2001.
"When Off The Leash drew box eight in last week's Derby final I knew he had the job in front of him.
"He has learned to handle the outside draw but it is tough for young dogs sitting out in box eight to get across their rivals when they are up against the best in the country.
"But Off The Leash pulled up well after last week and went nicely when I gave him a short sprint up the straight at Appin on Tuesday.''
A slick trial at Bathurst on Monday points to Gunnadoo Cove returning to the winning list in Saturday's fifth event, a 720m fourth and fifth grade.
Gunnadoo Cove looks well placed on her best form as she is a winner of seven long-distance races at Wentworth Park and has won there in a blistering 42.09.
"She turns four in September so I am only racing her until she comes in season and can be retired for breeding,'' owner-trainer Benny Howe said.
"But I trialled her over 618m at Bathurst on Monday and Gunnadoo Cove clocked 36.09, which is pretty good considering the track record stands at 35.70.
"I expected her to run around the 36.20 mark so was pleasantly surprised.
"Providing she does not get held up in traffic on Saturday, she can probably get down to 42.40 or 42.50.''
Aza Zeus, a litter brother and kennelmate to outstanding Queensland sprinter Slick, will be on trial for a start in next month's Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg when he makes his Wentworth Park debut on Saturday night.
Aza Zeus has box four in race six, a fourth and fifth grade Golden Easter Egg Prelude.
"Getting out quickly and making the pace is his strong point,'' trainer John McCarthy said.
"He probably needs to lead to win because he has never seen Wenty Park before.
"But he has ability and can get down close to the 30 second mark over 520m at Albion Park.''
Rhythm Section, who has box two in race 10, a 520m fifth grade, is another greyhound likely to appreciate a drop in class on Saturday night.
Rhythm Section made the pace to the half-way mark before tiring to finish fifth to Jock Colley at Wentworth Park last Saturday but meets slightly weaker opposition this time.
"I was disappointed with that run because she stopped badly but the winner did put plenty of pressure on her in the early stages,'' Rhythm Section's trainer Chris Carl said.
"Because she shifts out a little in the run to the first turn she will give the dog in box one a clear run but if Rhythm Section can lead like she did last week she has a chance.''
Jeff Collerson’s Selections
Best Bet Off The Leash (Race 9)
Best Value Rhythm Section (Race 10)
Quaddie
Race 5 - 7, 3, 8
Race 6 - 5, 3, 4
Race 7 - 4, 6
Race 8 - 1, 6, 8
$20 for 37.03%
