Brilliant Trial Has Barak Ready For Cup Return

A SLASHING trial at Dapto last week has convinced trainer Jason Fletcher his comeback sprinter Aston Barak is right at his top for his return to racing in a heat of the Group 2 Maitland Gold Cup (450m) on Thursday.

The royally bred son of Melbourne Cup winner Aston Dee Bee and Laurels winner Fantastic Skye makes his return out of box six in the third heat of the Cup.

He has not raced since December 5 when winning at Maitland but aggravating a wrist.

FIELDS AND FORM MAITLAND THURSDAY

“He hurt the wrist when he was in Melbourne for the Cup and aggravated it at Maitland when he won,” said Jason.

“I gave him a month off and then decided to take the opportunity to have a holiday so he got to have more time off.”

Aston Barak was having his first look at @sandowndogs last night – and won!

The Southern Stars champ did NSW proud, clocking 29.38 for the win ?

Full Results: https://t.co/4SUnPmxGWZ#thedogs #GreyhoundRacing @WatchDogRacing pic.twitter.com/3pRx1OQL4w

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) November 4, 2022

But Fletcher says the dog is right at his peak for his return.

“He's had a few trials and his run at Dapto last week was as good as he has ever gone,” he said.

“He has been ready for a little while now but I purposely held him back for the Cup series.”

Aston Barak won the inaugural running of the Goulburn Southern Stars with a $50,000 pay day, and has been a finalist in the Vic Peters and Goulburn Cup.

“He's been a great dog for us,” said Jason.

“He beat She's A Pearl in a Million Dollar Chase heat and then was in front in a semi-final only to get dragged down from behind.

“He won quite a few at Wenty and while he has been off the scene we have been collecting semen for him.

“As his owner Ray Borda said just the other day, with his pedigree and performances, if he was a thoroughbred he would be syndicated at stud for $10 million and be standing at a service fee of $30,000.”

Fletcher admits the six box on Thursday is awkward but Aston Barak can handle box draws inside or out.

“He's a big dog and needs an ounce of early luck,” he said.

“But, he's well and is trialling as good as he ever has.”