Nangar Gypsy Spot On For Golden Sands Bid

DENNIS Barnes is fighting fit and ready to take on Group 1 racing when the final of the Golden Sands (600m) is run at Albion Park on Thursday night.

But, just prior to Christmas, that was not the case.

Dennis had to spend a few days in hospital and he sent Golden Sands hopefuls Nangar Gypsy and Nangar Rocket to Dave Irwin at Grafton to be prepared for the series.

Both have made the final and Dennis is back on deck and has already headed north to finalise their Group 1 preparation.

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Nangar Gypsy (Aston Dee Bee-Nangar Silk) was brilliant in winning her heat of the Golden Sands in 34.66 and has drawn the rails in the final.

"Box one really suits her," Barnes said.

"She's been coming out much better since she went to 600 metres and she seems to really like Albion Park as well."

Nangar Gypsy has won 19 races and $104,000.

"She's a terrific little bitch who does all the right things," he added.

"She is normally a reliable beginner but she still has to use the one box."

Dennis believes Tom Dailly-trainer Ethanol Water and Anthony Azzopardi's Gold Scotch are toughest to beat in the final.

"If Anthony's bitch comes out like she did in the heat she will be hard to beat," he said.

"And Nangar Gypsy could give Ethanol Water a dream run into the race."

But Dennis also had a huge wrap for veteran galloper Nangar Rocket (Feral Franky-Little Nangar) which has drawn box five in the final.

The winner of 21 races and $240,000 has been a grand performer for the kennel throughout his race career.

"Gee, he ran a good race in the heat," said Dennis.

"And, he railed.

"It's taken him until he was four to learn he could go over to the inside of the track, the quickest way around.

"He's a beautiful old dog that everyone loves.

"I don't think he realises he's four."

Dennis was full of praise for the job done by Irwin caring for the two dogs in the lead-up to the Group 1 series.