Could Palawa King Be Left Out Of Nationals?

Forbes trainer Jack Smith has grave fears his high-class stayer Palawa King could miss the opportunity to represent NSW in the Nationals Distance Series next month.

The son of Smith's former kennel champion Feral Franky, was one of the stars during the recent Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival, winning the Group 1 Queensland Cup as well as the Group 3 Origin Greyhound Distance Series.

FIELDS AND FORM FOR WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY

The black chaser's Queensland assault earned his connections a whopping $296,625 and on Saturday night he returns from a let up in the Ladbrokes Easy Form Non Graded Stakes (520m).

"The plan is to head towards the Nationals," Smith said.

"I just wanted to give him a quiet couple of weeks, just give him a blow out on Saturday night and see where he's at.

"He's jumping out of his skin and I'm really happy with how he's freshened up."

The problem Smith is faced with is that Palawa King is only a fifth grade rated chaser over the distance in Sydney and the NSW Nationals Distance Final is a best eight meaning he could be balloted out despite better credentialed than most.

A huge performance from Palawa King to win the TAB Queensland Cup Final ? pic.twitter.com/MzCS928w0n

— TAB (@tabcomau) July 7, 2023

"The problem I have is there's no heats," Smith said.

"I'm a little bit worried because my bloke is only a fifth grader over the 700 so if they get more than eight dogs nominated, I'm in trouble.

"You can't run in them all so if he misses out, he misses out.

"There's not a lot we can do about it, we'll just have to cop it on the chin."

Meanwhile, Smith's other two runners, classy prospects Miss McGraw and Bella Una will clash in the Sunday Footy @ Wenty Bitches Final (520m) on Saturday night.

Both recently contested the final of the Group 1 Peter Mosman Opal, finishing out of the placings before winning their respective heats of Saturday's $6000-to-the-winner contest.

"They are just learning their craft and I'm still learning about them," Smith said.

"They are doing well for us and they have bright futures."