Wow is scheduled to kick-start his stellar career today by trialling at Goulburn.
Ruth Matic, whose daughter Danielle is training the champion, said Wow looks to have recovered completely from the minor injury which has kept him on the sidelines since April 10, when he was a luckless runner-up to Tommy Shelby in the Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg at Wentworth Park.
"Goulburn is a good safe track and is kept in immaculate condition by curator Greg Hore so it is a perfect place for Wow to get going again,'' Ruth Matic said.
Wow's past 14 starts have resulted in 11 wins and three seconds so it's no wonder punters are anxious to see him back in action.
Seven years ago owner John George paid $9000 for Nichole Googs at a Richmond Puppy Auction but while she won only two small races at Bathurst his bold purchase looks like rewarding him as a brood bitch.
Trained by Lisa Worthy at Kings Plains, near Blayney, Barton overcame a severe early bump to display great tenacity in getting up to win by a head in 30.39.
The dog had been a semi-finalist in the group 3 Ladbrokes Magic Maiden at Wentworth Park in late March.
Having only his fifth start, Barton was sent out a warm favourite on Wednesday on the strength of a reported 29.21 near record trial over 506m at Lithgow a few days earlier.
"I only race at Wenty when I have a dog I consider good enough to bring to town and Barton was my first city winner for around 13 years,'' Worthy said.
"Barton's dam Nichole Googs showed talent in trials but was a bit funny in races and seldom brought her trial form to the track.
"She is soon due to whelp her second litter, to Sennachie.''
Worthy, the daughter of veteran trainer Barry Curle, has nine greyhounds in work.
"I am kept busy because my five acre property is set up for whelping, rearing and racing,'' she said.
"I even do the breaking in of my greyhounds and Barton showed promise from day one.''
Luchador joined the sport's "100 club'' when third to the flying Blazing Snap in a scorching 22.04 over 388m at Gosford last week.
Going into his race at LADBROKES GARDENS on Saturday the James Porter-trained greyhound had recorded 23 wins and 50 placings from 100 starts.
"Barring injuries most of my dogs can rack up at least 100 starts, if they are looked after there is no reason why greyhounds can't have that many races,'' Porter said.
Luchador missed a place at The Gardens on Saturday but lines up for start number 102 at Gosford tomorrow night.
