Devil In The Detail For Dookie's Rookie Rebel Push

BRILLIANT middle-distance performer Dookie Devil makes his return to racing in Saturday night's Group 1 Rookie Rebel (600m) at The Meadows with a bit of a point to prove.

Last seen when runner-up to fellow Rookie Rebel hopeful Jarick Bale in the Sale Cup on Boxing Day, Dookie Devil copped the wrath of the stewards in the group 1 showpiece, controversially charged with marring Yachi Bale in the home straight.

FIELDS AND FORM THE MEADOWS SATURDAY NIGHT

And while trainer Glenn Dainton felt so strongly about the matter he appealed the decision at the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT), he is now firmly looking forward with his start conveyance, beginning with Saturday night's Rookie Rebel assault.

Hell of a win

DOOKIE DEVIL – a Group 3 winner at his previous start – thrashed his rivals by almost nine lengths in a powerful display at @sandowndogs.

Make sure DOOKIE DEVIL is in your Watchdog Blackbook with the Group 1 #SaleCup on the horizon ?#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/VVktjFpnKj

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) December 4, 2022

"In terms of marring charges and what you see day in, day out I didn't believe there was much in it but that's in the past now so we've moved on," Dainton said.

"My big thing was there was no evidence to say the two dogs had made contact so I challenged it but once the decision was handed down I thanked everyone for their time and got on with things.

"There's no point kicking stones."

Dainton is no stranger to group 1 middle distance glory at The Meadows having annexed the Hume Cup (600m) back in 2018 with his star performer Black Impala.

Runner-up to Black Impala that night was Neo Cleo with her sister Nicky Neo the dam of Dainton's newest middle distance powerhouse Dookie Devil.

And while heading into Saturday night's group 1 assignment first up off a six week break is less than conventional, Dainton is confident his Group 3 Sir John Dillon Memorial hero is ready to run a big race.

"The box (seven) is the worry but he's had plenty of work," Dainton said.

"All the speed looks to be down near the inside so I'm hoping we can get that clear running for the first 20 metres. He's not a brilliant box dog but he really works through his gears and builds momentum when he hits the ground.

"And he's a real competitor too. When he gets challenged he can find that extra gear."

Dookie Devil heads into his first up Rookie Rebel assignment as the winner at 11 of his 25 appearances with a further eight placings.

And his The Meadows 600 metre form is glowing, winning three of five, with a best time of a slick 34.25.

"He trialled last week in 34.30 so even though he hasn't been racing he's up to the mark," Dainton said.

"I could have raced him but after what happened at Sale I decided it was best to go into this first up. In his satisfactory trial last month at Shepparton he did everything right running 24.90 odd with a crazy run home section.

"And he's been doing plenty of work at home. But in saying all that he'll probably paddle a bit at the finish."

The box draw for next Saturday night's Unmissable Group 1 #RookieRebel at @MelbourneGreys ??

1️⃣ FRENCH MARTINI
2️⃣ ASTON VELVET
3️⃣ JARICK BALE
4️⃣ EL DORADO
5️⃣ AMPLIFIED
6️⃣ BLACK SAIL
7️⃣ DOOKIE DEVIL
8️⃣ PUNTER'S BANDIT

Reserves
9️⃣ WHEEL AND GO
? GREAT GUY#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/TJwNNNbteA

— Greyhound Racing Victoria (@GRV_News) February 4, 2023

TAB has Dookie Devil at $6 for the Rookie Rebel with favourite NSW raider French Martini at $3.80 from her box one draw.

Following Saturday's Group 1 test Dainton will embark on the rich Country Classic which will be staged in the NSW central west at Dubbo midway through next month.

"That's the plan after Saturday night," he added.

"The 10-12 day break heading into the weekend should see him on the fresh side and show speed which is the key to his chances from the seven.

"The main thing is he and the rest of the field get around safely and the best dog wins. It should be a great race."