Stilton Blue was one of NSW’s top sprinters last year and trainer Phil Goodsell is hoping his greyhound can recapture that form at Bulli on Wednesday.
Last year’s Group 2 Bulli Gold Cup runner-up and Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic finalist (pictured) returns from almost five months out with injury in the Ladbrokes Monthly Medal April 8 Stakes (400m, race nine).
This is a tough race, with Country Wal (box one) and Clonakilty Man in box three both likely challengers.
Click here to watch a replay of Country Wal's win at Bulli earlier this month.
Goodsell admits he has limited ambitions for this race but believes Stilton Blue, who jumps from box four here, can recapture his previous dazzling form.
“It will be good to see him back out there,” Goodsell said.
“I think he is probably around 80 per cent racing ‘fit’ but he has had a lot of good work preparing for this.
“He has had a couple of nice trials – not as quick as he can be, but then again he’s never been much of a trialler.
“He’s looking good so we’ll keep our fingers crossed.”
Stilton Blue enjoyed a super 2014 before a torn hip support in the build-up to the Goulburn Cup in December ended his year on a low note.
In addition to his notable Group results, he was a runner-up in the Ultra Sense at Wentworth Park last year and took his career record to 14 wins and 12 minor placings from 37 starts.
The son of Where's Pedro x She's A Player has one of the most eye-catching records around drawn from box four, with six wins and four minor placings from 11 previous starts.
Goodsell said he would give likely his charge a couple of runs around Bulli and Goulburn over the coming weeks, with another crack at May’s Bulli Gold Cup the immediate aim.
He said he was confident the sprinter could return to strong racing form.
“Oh yes,” Goodsell said. “He is feeling good and wants to chase.
“We hope he can run for another 12 months as long as he keeps fit and healthy.
“I think it may take another couple of months before he is back to his best but after that, who knows?”
Pedro Cerrano (box seven) looks a strong chance to claim a fifth consecutive win in the day’s 10th race, the Bulli Wednesday Night Racing Stakes (400m).
He is dropping down in distance from the 472m but likes the track and is the fastest here.
In-form Lachy Balboa (race five) and the classy Fantastic Spiral in race seven look strong chances too.
For Bulli Wednesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
