Flying Trial Has One Hot Bandit Ready For G1 Test

PREMIERSHIP winning trainer Andy Lord is confident prodigious talent One Hot Bandit can handle his first foray into group 1 company at Dapto on Thursday night.

Winner at nine of his 14 career starts, One Hot Bandit, a regally bred son of Barcia Bale and Nino De Oro, has drawn box one in the opening heat of the Ladbrokes sponsored Dapto Megastar (520m).

FIELDS AND FORM DAPTO THURSDAY NIGHT

A last start winner at Wentworth Park in 29.73, the Group 3 Magic Maiden hero will be joined in the series by kennelmate Screaming Jet where Lord will be eyeing a third success in the event following the exploits of Let It Develop in 2016 and Good Odds Emma in 2022.

"I trialled One Hot Bandit at Dapto after the last race last Thursday and he went 29.42 (record 29.34) so he's spot on for this week," Lord said.

"From early on I always said it'd take 15-20 starts until we started to see the best of him and we are getting to that point now. I wasn't sure if Dapto would suit him but he railed terrific in the trial and went 5.45 early.

Team Lord draw first blood at Wentworth Park Greyhounds tonight with One Hot Bandit taking out the @ladbrokescomau Magic Maiden Final in 29.65!#thedogs #greyhoundracing #GEE pic.twitter.com/CFxrZxguJI

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) April 8, 2023

"The main thing is in his heat is that he begins and settles top three. That will give him his chance to work into the race."

Purchased for significant money by Punters HQ Syndicate prior to launching his racing career, eight of One Hot Bandit's victories have come at Wentworth Park, where he's recorded a personal best time of 29.59.

"He's definitely up to this class – he's the kind of dog that will continue to get better as the quality of opposition he races improves," Lord said.

Bookmaker Tab.com.au has installed One Hot Bandit a $2.40 favourite for Thursday night's opening heat just ahead of comeback star Mortified at $2.50.

Lord's claims on back-to-back Megastar wins will continue in heat three with Screaming Jet (box five) stepping out against rampaging Victorian visitor Afire (box eight).

Screaming Jet, winner at 10 of his 22 starts, has been a revelation for Lord, including finishing runner-up to Big Daddy in the Southern Stars at Goulburn last month.

"I was disappointed in his run last week at Dapto finishing fourth," Lord said.

"He trialled there in 29.50 the week before but never really stretched out last week. I pulled him to pieces a day or two later but didn't need to go far as I found him pretty sore in a few spots.

"And that's strange for him because he's usually very sound. He's feeling great now though and has had an easy week. I think we'll see a different dog this week.

"I give them both really good chances in the series."  

In early markets, Afire is a $1.90 favourite for heat three ahead of Screaming Jet at $3.60.