Whistling Bullet Earns Group 1 Sapphire Tilt

TRAINER Gary Joske knows he's throwing Whistling Bullet in at the deep end for Thursday night's heats of the Group 1 Sapphire Crown (515m) at Sandown Park.

Winner at 14 of her 38 starts, Whistling Bullet all but forced Joske's hand for a tilt at the Group 1 bitches classic with an impressive 29.64 Sandown Park victory last Thursday night.

"She's such a litter trier – she's not the fastest dog I've had but she's the most courageous," Joske said.

"Her win last Thursday showed that. There was one or two times she could have just thrown in the towel but she kept on coming and toughed it out.

"She's earned her chance in a race like this on Thursday."

Whistling Bullet has drawn box five in heat two of the Sapphire Crown heats on Thursday night with first and second from each of the four qualifiers progressing to next week's $100,000-to-the-winner final.

"She's been thrown in at the deep end but she can run 29.50 so you have to throw your hat in the ring," Joske said.

"It's a very strong race and she's giving away plenty in grade but I thought her win last week was the best of her career.

"She goes into the race fit and healthy and in good form. And you wouldn't find a better looker either. Physique wise she's perfect."

On the racetrack Whistling Bullet exudes plenty of talent as evidenced by her glowing record.

But it's off the track Joske says the daughter of Aston Dee Bee creates even more attention.

"I've got nine grandchildren and from a pup onwards she's been their favourite – they call her Bullet so that's where the name came from," Joske said.

"And the vets at Sandown Park absolutely love her – they all but give her a kiss when she goes over the table. I'll have to come back as a greyhound!"

The Joske clan are also represented in Thursday's Sapphire Crown heats by Persian Goddess which lines up in heat three from box seven for Gary's 37-year-old son, Ben.

Winner at six of her 13 starts, Persian Goddess resumes from injury in the rich series.

"She's quicker than Whistling Bullet," Joske said.

"But she's badly drawn and is coming back from injury. She deserved a go at the race the way she's been trialling but whatever happens Thursday is a good starting point for her."

A few years ago, Joske made the decision to sell his performed chaser Rajasthan, the son of Kinloch Brae going on to win a swag of races, including the Group 1 Sandown Cup.

"Selling Rajasthan taught me that if you've got one going well you should always have a crack at a good race," Joske said.

"Whistling Bullet deserves the opportunity Thursday – she's got the determination and the endeavor and if she begins will give herself a chance."