Captain Dynamite is back at Sandown Park on Thursday night and connections are hopeful the former star prospect can finally deliver on his potential.
Just over 12 months ago, Captain Dynamite set Sandown Park alight with one of the most impressive 595m races ever run. His 34.02 winning time was impressive, but his run time of 10.50 was the type of time that would normally impress over 515m. It was enough to see ‘Rob’ installed as one of the leading fancies for the country’s premier distance race, the RSN Sandown Cup.
However Captain Dynamite found trouble in his Cup heat and has continued to find trouble since. A series of injuries has seen him grace the track just eight times since his 2020 Sandown Cup, and just once since last October.
Now fit and free of injury, he’ll return to Sandown Park first up over 715m, much to the delight of his English owners.
“At this point we’re just happy to see him back,” said syndicate manager David Mitchell from his home in Carlisle.
“He has a great following in the UK after some stunning performances last year, but as we all know with greyhound racing things don’t always go to plan.
“Kel (Greenough, trainer) is happy with how he’s going but it’s a step by step process. We’ll take each race as it comes and hopefully we see some of his old spark – whatever he does on Thursday he’s sure to improve.”
The Blue Tick syndicate races dogs across England and Ireland with one of their team, Blue Tick George recently breaking the Sunderland 640m track record before reaching the final of the Grand Prix.
In 2019 the syndicate decided to take the plunge and purchase a pup Down Under, in part due to the massive prize money on offer in the antipodes. The Grand Prix – run at England’s equivalent to a group 2 – carried a £3000 ($5400) first prize. If things go to plan, Captain Dynamite could be running for a $175,000 first prize in next month’s RSN Sandown Cup.
It’s just one of the reasons the group – and others – are increasing their involvement in Australian greyhound racing.
“As international owners we couldn’t be happier with how the sport as welcomed us, especially Kel the team. We’re kept in the loop with all of our dogs and we can’t wait to get more involved over coming years.”
Captain Dynamite is currently rated a $51 chance for the RSN Sandown Cup.
Other highlights on another big night of racing include Zipping Rambo’s first run back at Sandown Park since running to within half a length of Dyna Double One’s 595m track record on April 8th, while Lakeview Walter will be aiming for his third straight victory in the Free For All.
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