Preview: ‘Clumsy' Gozo Finds His Feet In A Big Way

Sam Sultana reckons Gozo King always had the ability he just needed to stop being so clumsy.

The son of Cosmic Rumble and Mossy Girl goes into a star-studded fifth grade final (520m) at Wentworth Park on Saturday night coming off a hat-trick of wins at Maitland, Wenty and up the straight at Richmond.

In 12 starts he has won six and been placed three times, each trending in an upward trajectory both on the clock and his racing traits.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY NIGHT

“He's come up with an ordinary box on Saturday night for the final, but he's still a good chance,” said Sam.

“He had been a slow box dog, but a few runs up the straight at Richmond has finally sorted that out.

“He's been beginning much better lately.”

Gozo King is unbeaten in four runs up the straight at Richmond.

Sultana bought Gozo King from Victoria as a three-month old pup.

“The mother had a couple of litters and produced nice dogs in those,” said Sam.

“And I've just ordered some out of a litter she has had to Flying Ricciardo.”

The Sultana family raced and trained Flying Ricciardo is just starting to get his first pups educated.

Studmaster and owner, Sam's daughter Kristy, said the reports on those early break-ins is highly positive.

“John Martin has broken in a few with big wraps, the best of which has gone to Brett Hazelgrove in Brisbane to be trained,” said Kristy.

“There is a couple that broke in great in Victoria and I'm told Dave Richardson's litter has done the same.”

Kristy's sister Michelle has just whelped a litter by Flying Ricciardo from former Wenty star Drink Moet. The bitch whelped three dogs and six bitches.

“We are getting nothing but positive reports from the six litters to be educated to date,” said Kristy.

“Marty Hallinan said his litter out of Zipping Truvy will be educated in the next few months also which is very exciting.”

Sam Sultana reports classy race bitch Yoko Girl will head towards the Group 1 Dapto Megaster next week.

She has not started since her unplaced run in the Group 2 Ipswich Gold Cup final.

WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY NIGHT

Best Bet –  FAHEY'S MAGIC (Race 1 No. 6)

There's nowhere to hide in this stacked fifth grade assignment but Fahey's Magic is a youngster going places. Has the speed to overcome the box six draw and by all reports has improved since her impressive last start victory.

Best Value –  CHARLIE'S JAR (Race 4 No. 4)

Thought he was close to the run of the race in the Wagga Cup and on the strength of that looks poised to run a forward race back in town. Back in grade from his most recent city engagements and should represent good value.

Greyhound Recorder Ratings Best Bet – JILL DO (Race 3 No. 2)

Returns to town on the back of three sparkling wins at The Gardens and from the cushy draw looks capable of leading on her best sections. Scored well last start over 600m so should run the 520m right out – gets the tick on ratings.

Early Quaddie

Race 1 – 5,6

Race 2 – 1,2,6

Race 3 – 1,2,3

Race 4 – 2,4,5

Cost: 1 unit $54

Quaddie

Race 5 – 1,2,7

Race 6 – 2,8

Race 7 – 1,2,8

Race 8 – 1,2,5

Cost: 1 unit $54

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RUNNING HOT – SANDAVE PEPPER

(The Gardens Friday, Race 4 No.6)

Enjoyed the perfect start to her career with five wins from as many appearances and expect that trend continues for trainer Dave Richardson. All wins thus far have been over the 350m at Grafton but looks right to go for her debut 515m assignment at The Gardens.

SMART MONEY – FORAN BANNER

(Richmond Friday, Race 9 No. 2)

Caught the eye running a real nice second up the Richmond Straight last start and looks really well placed in this from the nice draw. Trainer bats at a 32% winning strike rate at the track and distance to boot.

WELL GRADED – CASUAL GLANCE

(Wentworth Park Saturday, Race 10 No. 2)

Excited to see Casual Glance make his first foray into masters grade in the city. Tuned up for this with two Maitland performances and expect the 30-time winner to lead this field a merry dance from the suitable box two draw.

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RACING AROUND

Friday: Wagga, Casino, The Gardens, Richmond

Saturday: Wentworth Park, Taree, The Gardens, Dubbo

Sunday: Richmond, Grafton

Monday: Dubbo, Maitland, Nowra

Tuesday: Gosford, Bulli, Grafton, Temora

Wednesday: Wentworth Park, Richmond, Taree

Thursday: Dapto, Casino, Gunnedah