By Alex Nolan
Trainer Selena Zammit will launch a three-pronged attack on Thursday’s Box 1 Photography Golden Sands heats at Albion Park thanks to two Western Australian visitors and a consistent local performer.
Sandgropers Wynburn Burner and We The People will contest Races five and seven respectively, while experienced Albion Park 600m campaigner See Them Try lines up as a main fancy in the sixth event.
We The People defeated Wynburn Burner in a recent 600-metre trial at Albion Park, stopping the clock in 35.10 seconds.
It was the pair’s first look at ‘The Creek’ since arriving from WA for trainer and owner Sean Kavanagh.
Kennel representative Michael Zammit said both visitors had settled in well.
“Wynburn Burner goes well but he got a bit tired late in that trial,” Zammit said.
“He probably needed the run but if he can lead from box one then he is a good place chance.”
We The People is a 20-time winner and has collected more than $167,000 in prizemoney in across New South Wales and WA.
“She’ll need a bit of luck…but the box draw (five) shouldn’t worry her because she’s normally last early,” Zammit said.
“McCooly’s Lad looks one of the best chances of making the final from the draw but by all reports (from WA) she should improve and looks a definite place chance.”
See Them Try put his paw up as a contender for the Group 2 series – which features a $113,000 final on January 6 – when he won a heat of the TAB Middle Distance Challenge by five-and-a-half lengths in 34.68 seconds on December 16.
He backed up to run a brave second in last week’s final after doing a mountain of work from box eight.
“He also copped a couple of bumps at crucial times,” Zammit said.
“He’s going really well and looks a great chance, but he’s one of about five chances in the race.”
Zammit also said it was pleasing to see numerous headline acts make their way to the Sunshine State and take on the locals during the TAB Golden Greys Summer Carnival.
“The $113,000 carrot is pretty good for 600-metre dogs,” he said, noting the competitiveness of all four heats on the programme.
Last start Dubbo 516m track record-breaker Jungle Deuce looks likely to start a short-priced favourite in race eight, the last of four heats.
Jungle Deuce is undefeated in three starts over 520m at Albion Park, including the Group 2 Flying Amy Classic and the TAB Origin match race.
The card also features the Christmas Stocking Final, the New Year's Trophy and heats of the Listed Golden Oldies.