Blessed Rumble has been one of the most improved Queensland greyhounds in recent months and she looks a strong chance in Thursday’s Group 2 Bogie Leigh Futurity (520m) Heats at Albion Park.
The sprinter jumps from box six in the first of four Heats of the $40,000-to-the-winner series aiming to make it four wins from her last five starts.
A daughter of Collision x Mystic Rumble, Blessed Rumble clocked an impressive 30.01 while winning over the 520m here last month.
She has only had one previous unsuccessful start from box six but trainer Jeff Cumming thinks his charge can go well here.
“Hopefully that’s not too bad a draw for her,” he said. “She’s shown plenty of speed from the outside boxes.
“Stella Nights (box three) is the big threat but I’m sure Blessed Rumble can go well.”
Blessed Rumble has enjoyed a strong run in recent weeks, with three wins and four minor placings in her last eight starts.
She had a four-month break after five unsuccessful runs at the start of her career but since returning in February she has been solid.
“What’s the secret been?” Cumming said. “Patience.
“She just looked like she needed a bit of time to find her best form.
“She is a strong finisher (and) came home in 12.58 a few starts ago which was really impressive.
“I think as long as she gets a bit of luck she can be a force in the series.”
Peter Ruetschi’s greyhounds are always handy at Albion Park and Over Here looks a big chance in the series.
The daughter of Don’t Knocka Him x Where Are You has three wins and three minor placings from her last six starts, all at Albion Park.
She ran a strong 30.02 for the 520m at the track last month and has been running consistently recently, with a career record of five successes and three minor placings from 10 starts.
Tony Brett’s Crazy Sexy (box seven) looks imposing in the third Heat, having enjoyed a good 30.10 last start win at Albion Park on March 30.
Heat four features what looks a good battle between Blue Statuesque in box seven and Magic Maiden (box five).
The latter has been racing consistently in recent weeks, but does not look drawn well here in box five.
Females whelped after October 1 are eligible for the Futurity, with the final taking place on Thursday, April 16.
In other action at Albion Park, impressive newcomer Pop The Cork returns to racing after a near-two month break in race one.
Doubler Group winner Iva Vision has drawn one of her best boxes – six – in night’s eighth race.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
