Dundee Calypso rounded out her Speed Star preparation with a brilliant win last night.
Drawn favourably in box 2, Dundee Calypso began well and was in pursuit of early leaders She’s Got Grace and Lektra Forrest. It wasn’t long before she made her presence felt leveling up to She’s Got Grace before running home the better to win by two lengths in 34.17.
“Once she drew near the fence she was a big chance. I didn’t expect her to go that quick but I know she’s more than capable of it, just hasn’t done it for a while,” said Pakenham South trainer Geoff Scott-Smith post race.
Dundee Calypso is renowned for her consistency and versatility, having won or placed in 19 of her 26 starts over all three distances at the track.
She will now head towards next Sunday’s Speed Star, greyhound racing’s most exciting format made up of match races. For the first time matches will held over all three distances – Speed Star (515m), Galactic Diamond (595m) and Stayers Challenge (715m).
Dundee Calypso’s time escalated her to 4th on the Galactic Diamond (595m) standings. She’s also eligible for the Stayers Challenge (715m) which opens up two options for Scott-Smith come the time of nomination.
“I’m not sure which way we’ll go. She’d be a good chance in either of them though, she can break 42 (seconds) over 715m.”
Scott-Smith is no stranger to the Speed Star series having won the feature last year with champion greyhound Dundee Osprey.
Later in the night dual group 1 winner Lightning Frank won in just his second start since returning from an achilles tendon injury. His winning time of 29.553 took him to 22nd on the Speed Star (515m) standings.
Trainer Matt Wright said he will consider next Sunday’s Speed Star for Lightning Frank.
“We are going to wait and see how he pulls up then make a decision. After his injury we take extra care during his recovery. Speed Star is definitely something we’ll think about. He’s very happy to be back racing which is the main thing!”
Speed Star takes place next Sunday September 1 and will be an action packed evening both on and off the track. Be there for your chance to win a Ford Mustang, receive free giveaways and enjoy a live band plus after party.
This Sunday eight greyhounds will attempt to trial their way into Speed Star. Click here for event information, current Speed Star standings and trials booked.
