Dundee Osprey bounced back to his best last night at Sandown Park just three weeks after being subdued to illness.
Dundee Osprey began well then took full advantage of his inside draw and led first time past the post. He broke away to a four length lead down the back with Shima Song in pursuit. He maintained the margin throughout to win from Polijuice Potion and Shima Song in 34.57.
“He trialled super on the weekend and began really well so it was no surprise to see him do what he did tonight,” said trainer Geoff Scott-Smith post race.
A trip to Brisbane for the Gold Cup earlier this month ended on a concerning note as Dundee Osprey spent the night with the vet after finishing last in his heat.
“He wasn’t well after the run. I took him to the local vet up there straight away and he had him on a drip overnight. He wasn’t himself for a couple of days but it didn’t take long for him to bounce back.”
Dundee Osprey will return to Sandown Park next Thursday night for heats of the McKenna Memorial. It will be the second time he has competed in the series having finished 2nd in last year’s final (won by Bruce Tycoon).
“I thought he may be a run short tonight – there’s room for improvement next week.”
A McKenna Memorial win would further highlight Dundee Osprey’s stellar career. He’s a triple Group 1 winner and has made an incredible 14 Group finals. Last night’s win took his prize money tally to $533,915, escalating him to 19th on Australia’s Top Stake Earners (click here for top 100) going past the great Rapid Journey.
Many more greyhounds rounded out their preparation last night ahead of next week’s heats of the McKenna. Bella Shima won comfortably and Flyrite held off the eye catching Midnight Elsa.
Nominations for the Group 2 McKenna Memorial close 9am Monday morning with fields expected to be out shortly after.
Click here for last night’s results
