Greyhound racing in NSW is on the cusp of a cool $1m injection of prizemoney for racing beyond 500m and participants get a taste of things to come at Kennerson Park on Monday.
The Happy Half Century Jeff Mooney Stake (516m) offers $5000 to the winner and it’s a deeply competitive affair.
Ashley Dwyer’s unbeaten juvenile Spring Blend has drawn box two but will find stern opposition from Spring Bolt (one), Lithgow 414m record holder Motor City Mossy (three), Jack Smith’s Irinka Riley (four) and his kennelmate Daisy’s Chase (eight).
On debut at Bathurst on January 25, Special Blend dominated moderate opposition in a slick 29.95 seconds, winning by a widening 16¼ lengths.
He then followed with a gritty win in the $8700 to the winner Red Dog Maiden Final at Bathurst on February 5 in 30.03 – accounting for Daisy’s Chase by two lengths.
Special Blend had box two last time and retains the same alley. He dwelt at box-rise last time but was still able to lead at the first turn and prevail.
Spring Bolt resumes from a long break. He last stepped out September 17 and posted a solid 29.98 secs all-the-way win from box two for Greg Board.
Now in care of Greg’s son Scott, Spring Bolt is a long strider - with a good turn of speed - and he’ll give real sight from box one.
Motor City Mossy is back in the care of owner Trent Anderson after having a stint with Jason Mackay. She’s a reliable beginner with a genuine turn of foot.
