Stanley Road has not raced for six weeks but trainer Mark Gatt reports the dog raring to go at Wentworth Park on Saturday following two fast middle distance trials.
Arguably Australia's best stayer, Stanley Road's lack of luck in box draws has continued with the dog to exit box six in Saturday night's $25,000 to the winner NSW GBOTA Christmas Cheer over 720m.
"I trialled him over 618m at Richmond recently and even though it was pouring rain Stanley Road clocked 35.40,'' Mark Gatt said.
"Then on Monday I gave him a 600m hit-out at Dapto and despite stumbling at the start he recorded 34.20.
"He has won six of his 10 races from boxes one and two but it is what it is, there's no point worrying about box draws.''
Stanley Road is a keen railer but has learned to adapt to poor draws and has won three from six appearances wearing the green vest.
Stanley Road's clash with Super Estrella, who broke the Nowra 722m record on Monday, should be a ripper as the David Smith trained greyhound has drawn the coveted rails box.
Another greyhound resuming after a spell but ready to go well first up is Bandit Ned, who will contest Saturday night's NSW GBOTA Christmas Gift match race series over 520m.
There will be four match races with the fastest winner taking home to $25,000 prime cheque.
Bandit Ned, who is undefeated in six WP races, will compete against Fire Legend in the first match.
"Bandit Ned has not raced since November 6 but has been flying up my straight track at home,'' trainer Jodie Lord said.
"I prefer him drawn wide when he is in a full field but the inside draw he has under match race conditions is fine.''
