Stuart’s Double Header Chance
16 February, 2016
Greyhound
A double header of feature races this weekend presents a double chance for success for leading trainer Paul Stuart.
Stuart has top prospect Starlight Bella in Friday’s ‘The Great Western’ (Race 5 – 405m) and will lead out the exciting Krugerrand in the Canning Trophy (Race 5 – 490m) on Saturday.
Starlight Bella staked her claim for ‘The Great Western’ after she produced the fastest qualifying time of the heat stage.
The consistent fawn chaser only returned from a lengthy spell at the end of last month and was having her first crack over the 405m trip but she took to the short-courser’s journey with aplomb.
After crossing from the pink Starlight Bella left her rivals in the dust and stormed across the finish line five lengths ahead in 22.56.
Starlight Bella was supposed to be joined by kennelmate Max Star but that greyhound can’t take his place in the final due to a stopper tendon injury he sustained during his winning heat run.
Starlight Bella has won five races and is yet to miss a podium finish from 11 starts.
“She’s one the better ones in the kennels, she’s got good habits and is generally a reliable beginner,” Stuart said.
“Now that she’s clear of few little niggles I expect her to go really well.
“The 400 isn’t really her go but she’s quick enough to be a good chance in this.”
Even so Stuart is wary of some good opposition in the final, especially the vastly improved Red Hot Reagan.
The Enzo Crudeli-trained chaser was an impressive heat winner in 22.66 and will be suited from box two in the final.
Other finalists, such as Yunderup Buck and Amy Monelli, are also racing in nice form.
“She (Starlight Bella) can’t afford to do anything wrong because I dare say that she won’t lead.
“If she does happen to lead she won’t be run down but she’ll probably have to come from behind, which should be ok if she doesn’t get too far back.”
Without doubt Krugerrand is the standout in the Canning Trophy.
This greyhound, which only turned two-years-old in January, is going places fast and according to Stuart is improving with every run.
He’s already notched up nine wins from 12 starts (he placed the other three occasions) with quick times and dominant winning margins to his name.
With Tureaud out indefinitely and Quartz Bale still finding his feet following an extended absence Krugerrand is the next in line to claim the mantle as Stuart’s leading greyhound, no small achievement in a kennel where there is a high concentration of talent.
Krugerrand can confirm his potential by winning the Canning Trophy.
He looked up to the task when he clocked a very slick 27.28 to take out his heat.
The next quickest heat was run by Aluminum after that racedog crossed the line in 27.73.
If Krugerrand has an Achilles heel it’s his tardy box manners but from box three he’ll probably only have to jump fairly to put himself into a winning position..
James Broadhurst
Greyhounds WA