Like Wildfire's Speed Star Path Up In The Air

ERNEST discussions in the next day or two between owners Mick Ivers and Jeff Holland with trainer Robbie Britton will decided if exciting staying prospect Like Wildfire heads towards the 595m or the 715m Speed Star on August 23.

Like Wildfire's 41.41 all-the-way win at Sandown on Saturday night beating Sunnyside Jo and Misty Black qualified him for both the 595m and 715m Speed Stars.

He had already trialled 33.77 over the middle distance to become the fastest qualifier to date.

“I have to admit, I am leaning towards the 595 metre race at this stage,” said Robbie.

“But, I will talk to Mick and Jeff about which way we go.”

Britton was excited about the dog's debut 715m win.

“Really pleased with him” he said. “I had a few doubts about him stepping up to the distance, but for him to run 41.41 on what was a dead track, was very pleasing.”

Like Wildfire's close relation, Here's Tears, holds the track record at Sandown for 715m at 41.16.

Here's Tears is a litter brother to Like Wildfire's dam Freaky Tears.

"This could be a potential superstar."
? @Jayvdm91

LIKE WILDFIRE recorded a dominant victory in his first Victorian start at @sandowndogs.

LIKE WILDFIRE now has the option of contesting the 595-metre or 715-metre #SpeedStar on August 23.#GreyhoundRacing #PremierRacing pic.twitter.com/or7CzEtBbk

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) August 12, 2023

Britton raved about the temperament of Like Wildfire.

“He is a beautiful dog,” he said.

“I have six of the Goodesy-Freaky Tears litter here now and every one of them is the same.

“It is no coincidence that people like Mick Ivers keep producing quality race dogs.”

Behind Robbie Britton's liking for the 595m Speed Star series is  the fact Zoha Bale is a looming presence.

Zoha Bale (Allen Deed-Sammy Allen) will run in the G1 National Distance final at The Meadows on August 26.

Zoha Bale is currently the fastest qualifier for the 715m Speed Star at 41.39.

“If Mark (Delbridge) decides to run him in the Speed Star he will be very hard to beat,” said Robbie.

But, it will also be just three days before the Group 1 National Distance final at The Meadows.

Like Wildfire has now raced 10 times for eight wins and in all 10 starts he has started odds-on favourite.