Spacecraft races at Thursday’s Albion Park meeting as owner-trainer Lorraine Atchison eyes more big titles for her flying sprinter.
The recent Group 2 Maitland Cup winner (pictured, blue rug), one of 2015’s standout NSW sprinters, jumps from his favourite box three in the tattsbet.com Stakes (520m, race eight).
That impressive victory at Maitland took Spacecraft’s career record to 13 victories and nine minor placings from 27 starts.
Atchison is aiming Spacecraft for June’s Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic and hopes this race is another stepping stone to more success for her greyhound.
“It’s a chance for him to see the track,” she said.
“We thought we’d give him a look at Albion Park now, so if any big races come up in the future there then at least he’s been here.
“We might do the same for him with Melbourne at some stage too.
“He trialled nicely here last week – his sectional times were decent – and I think the track will suit him fine.
“I think he should do well.”
A son of Brett Lee x Cristalle, Spacecraft looks ideally drawn to defeat a field containing double Group-winner Iva Vision and Hougenie, who won last start here.
He has won all three of his starts from box three and is in devastating form, with eight wins from 12 starts.
It’s a good box for him,” Atchison said.
“He travels well – he was barking on all fours when he came back last week – and he’s in really good shape.
“Obviously it’s a hard race but he will be competitive.”
Atchison also has Spacestar’s sister Flamin’ Go, a winner at Wentworth Park last Saturday night, jumping from box seven in the sixth race.
Click here to watch a replay of Flamin' Go's win at Wentworth Park.
Flamin’ Go has not trialled or raced at Albion Park previously but last Saturday night’s victory was her ninth in 27 starts and Atchison believes she can contest for Group distance titles this year.
“Definitely,” she said.
“Her mother ran 755m in her time and I think Flamin’ Go she will eventually be a 600m greyhound or further."
Flamin' Go and Spacecraft are both scheduled to be in action at Wentworth Park on Monday over 520m.
Cheeky Chance was a good winner here last Monday night and looks a decent chance in race one.
Lady Abigail has been running solidly recently and could lead them home in race nine.
Ultra Blue won impressively over 600m last start and can triumph again in the 10th.
For Albion Park fields, form and expert picks, click here.
