Path To Vegas will look to continue his affinity with the Richmond track when he contests the World 4 Pets Richmond Derby on Saturday night.
The former Victorian chaser is unbeaten in three attempts at the Londonderry circuit and is all the rage with bookmakers following his runaway 30.60 second heat win.
Trainer Jason Mackay has qualified two runners for the prestigious Group Two sprint, with litter brother Chiseled, who won his heat in 30.54 seconds, also engaged.
However, Mackay is leaning towards Path To Vegas in the $45,000 to the winner final, after he drew ideally in box two.
“There’s not a struck match between them but it does look as though Path To Vegas will lead,” Mackay said.
“He’s the complete race dog, a good beginner and is very strong at the finish.
“You don’t run 29.40 seconds at Sandown without being strong and he did that regularly when he was down south.”
Paua Of Darknesss, also unbeaten at the Richmond circuit, showed a tremendous turn of foot in heat seven to race away and score by three lengths from box six in 30.44 seconds in the fastest time of the night.
The royally bred youngster is out of trainer Steve White’s champion sprinter Paua To Burn, who won the 2005 Golden Easter Egg and his father is the all conquering sire, Bombastic Shiraz.
Another runner punters should keep under their guard is Cold Fusion, who was luckless in his heat after colliding with eventual winner Chiseled in the back straight, the son of Bit Chili was having his first run at the track and is bound to be improved.
Bookmaker Brian Rylands has installed Path To Vegas as the $3 favourite from box two, ahead of fastest heat winner Paua Of Darkness at $3.50, who has drawn box four.
The Richmond Race Club is excited about the canine talent on show and is looking forward to a bumper night on Saturday when the Derby will be run and won.
“Saturday will be a fantastic night of greyhound racing and also a great community and family night,” said Richmond Race Club’s Vice President, Ivan Tilley.
“The Derby’s been won by some great dogs in the past and looking at the field it’s likely that’ll continue this year.”
While the World 4 Pets Group 2 Richmond Derby holds centre stage and will be seen live on SKY 1, there is another feature race taking place.
The time honoured Frank Kennedy Memorial, which acclaims one of the sport’s most revered racecallers, is being sponsored for the first time by perlins, roofing & accessories specialists Riverstone Steeline.
