Zac's Back At Sandown! But With Blinkers

ENIGMATIC stayer Zac's Entity resumes at Sandown Park on Thursday night with one important gear change – he'll race with blinkers for the first time.

One of the most fascinating greyhounds in the sport, Zac's Entity's talent is unquestioned having contested three group finals across his 12 career starts.

However, his racing manners has led to two suspensions and is one of the reasons he's had so few starts just days from his third birthday.

FIELDS AND FORM FOR SANDOWN PARK THURSDAY NIGHT

Trainer Kel Greenough concedes the unconventional tactic is one of the few remaining options available for him to kickstart Zac's Entity's career but admits he's unsure what affect the blinkers will have come race day.

"I just don't know," he said.

"He didn't like them when we first tried them on him, but he had a good trial since then so hopefully it helps him keep his mind on the task at hand."

Zac's Entity (4) won on debut this afternoon.

By 14.5 lengths
In 29.25
Running home in 10.26 ? pic.twitter.com/4A8s8vRBAv

— Sandown Greyhounds (@sandowndogs) August 1, 2021

Greenough also believes a step straight into 715m may help.

Zac's Entity ran 41.57 in his only start at Sandown Park and has trialled much quicker, and it's that ability that sees him a $15 chance for the Sandown Cup later this month.

It's also one of the reasons Greenough has persisted as long as he has.

"It's not about money – he may not win another race – but there aren't many greyhounds that have the ability that he does and he deserves every chance to show it on track,” he added.

"He has had his issues at times but he is a lovely dog – not a malicious bone in his body – and his owner (Mick Barry) also bred him and put a lot of work into getting him to the track and he wants to give him every chance.

"It'd be great for him if the blinkers sharpen him up, fingers crossed for everyone that it does."

Zac's Entity has drawn box four in the mixed 4/5 event and will meet a competitive field that includes Collinda Lady (which has firmed from $26 to $9 for the Sandown Cup), Queenslander Days Of Thunder on her Victorian debut, and Rohan Bale which makes his 715m debut after an impressed 595m victory last week.