Seven has not always been lucky for Breaker’s Tip but Gary Fahey is confident his greyhound can overcome past disappointments and win tonight’s terrific Tasmanian Sprint Championship (515m, race Seven) at Launceston.
The son of Mogambo and Dennes Point jumps from box Seven in the even-looking decider aiming to secure Fahey a first-ever trip to Wentworth Park for the Group 1 National final later this month.
Breaker’s Tip looks the favourite after his superb 29.46 win in last week’s heats and has a decent record from the wide boxes.
He also has a formidable strike rate but has not always produced his best when it matters.
“He had box Seven for other races and finals and I think he’s only won once from those four or five starts,” Fahey said.
“Having said that, he’s a really good beginner. With his early speed, he is capable of getting away well and running times like last week.
“Give him a clear run tonight, I think he’s the one to beat.”
Last week’s super win took Breaker’s Tip’s record to a commanding 18 successes and 10 minor placings from 33 starts.
He has an eye-catching eight triumphs and three minor placings from 11 visits to Launceston and is currently in red-hot form.
The main danger looks like Ted Medhurst’s impressive newcomer Retail Chart (box one), who ran 29.67 last week.
Elite Enfield (box five) returned to Tasmania after a solid recent spell in NSW with Jason Magri and looks a decent outside chance.
Medhurst has a decent chance of doubling up here, with his greyhound Lillycette (box Seven) the one to back in the National Distance final (race five, 720m).
A winner of 22 of her 49 starts, she looks above this class.
In other action, another from Medhurst’s kennel, Keune (box Seven), looks a great chance in race eight over 515m.
She produced a flying 29.74 run here last week – her fifth win in eight career starts.
A win here would book Breaker’s Tip’s berth in the $75,000-to-the-winner decider at Wentworth Park on Saturday, August 22.
It would also mean a debut visit to the Sydney track for Fahey, whose greyhound would join the likes of superstar Fernando Bale in the race.
“It would be thrill to race against a greyhound like him,” Fahey said. “You want to see your greyhounds against the best.
“I’m sure Breaker’s Tip is a city class greyhound at Wentworth Park.
“He would have his work cut out against the best in Australia but he’s a good dog and would not disgrace himself.”
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