Guelph Can Continue Ennis' Group Winning Run

PART-owner and Greyhound Recorder contributor Clint Payne believes the first 50 metres holds the key to Guelph's prospects in Thursday's Group 2 Laurels Final (515m) at Sandown.

Guelph is trained by Brooke and Jamie Ennis who are chasing another shot at group glory.

The Ennis team landed the winning quinella with Amron Boy and Amron Dan in Saturday night's Group 1 Silver Chief and Guelph runs in the Laurels before Amron Boy backs up this Saturday night in the $1.65m The Phoenix at The Meadows.

Payne believes Guelph is boxed to lead and that brings her into play in the age-restricted bitches only final.

“Box two looks suitable when you see where the other dogs are drawn,” Payne said. “The one and the three don't have a lot of speed.

“Our bitch's greatest asset is her ability to run early sectionals.

"If she steps away cleanly on Thursday, I doubt they will be able to cross her and that's what we need to happen to be a chance.”

Guelph joined the Ennis kennel in August after she suffered a serious injury in a heat of the Peter Mosman Opal, damaging an elbow when trying to avoid a runner which had fallen ahead of her going into the first turn.

Two runs in Melbourne for Ennis resulted in seconds at Sandown, behind Thursday's rival Baby Jaycee, and The Meadows, the latter on October 12.

“But she came out of that race having hurt a ligament in her wrist,” Payne said.

“She had not raced for two months before her win in the Laurels heat so we know she will improve in the final.

Guelph returns from a two-month break and kicks away to advance to next week's Laurels final ? pic.twitter.com/MLEsOmHPwH

— Sandown Greyhounds (@sandowndogs) December 8, 2022

“But ideally we would have liked the Laurels to come up three or four starts down the track.”

Payne says Guelph's first section in the heat of 5.07 is good enough to lead.

“She met (likely Laurels favourite) Baby Jaycee at Sandown back in October and had to sit outside her when second, beaten two lengths,” he said.

“From her two box on Thursday, and with Baby Jaycee drawing the five, I think our bitch gets the inside running this time.

“The rolls could be reversed.

“As everyone knows, if you are in front and on the lure in a big race, it is a big start.”

Payne is well aware of the presence of classy Wheeler-bred finalists Ailee Bale and Kelsey Bale.

“If they get unimpeded runs they are going to be mighty hard to hold out,” he said. “They are very strong and rock-hard fit.

” Ailee Bale is the dog I fear the most.

“I know Guelph will improve, it's more a case of how much? How long is a piece of string?

"The fact that Brooke and Jamie got her here is a testament to what they do now we just need improvement and a bit of luck.”

Guelph (Dyna Double One-Portillo) has won seven of 14 and been placed twice for $33,000 in stakes.

She is already a multiple Wentworth Park winner where she has won in 29.78 for then trainer Mark Gatt.