Palawa King returns to racing at Dubbo after five-month layoff
After nearly five months on the sidelines, staying sensation Palawa King returns to racing at Dubbo on Saturday night in the 605m Middle Distance Series.
The multiple Group 1-winning stayer has not raced since September due to a hip support injury, and this run will be a key test of his fitness as he looks to re-establish himself among the country’s top stayers.
With 31 wins from 74 starts and over $1.1 million in career earnings, Palawa King has built an impressive resume.
His list of major victories includes the Bold Trease, Queensland Cup, National Distance, Fanta Bale, and Association Cup, earning him recognition as one of Australia’s elite long-distance chasers.
2024 Group 1 Association Cup – Palawa King (42.06)
That status has been reaffirmed with his nomination for the 2024 NSW Greyhound of the Year, an award he won in 2023 and could now claim for a second straight year.
Returning at Dubbo, a track where he finished runner-up in last year’s Country Classic final, presents an interesting challenge.
While it is officially his home track, it has never been his preferred racing surface, with his best performances coming on larger circuits where he can produce his powerful finishing burst.
Saturday’s race will see him face strong opposition, including kennelmates Midnight Money and Red Hot Frankie, with the top greyhound bookmakers expected to put Palawa King as the betting favourite.
While the result is secondary to ensuring he comes through the run in good shape, connections will be eager to see if he still has the speed and stamina that made him such a force at Group 1 level.
2024 Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers – Palawa King (42.71)
With the Country Classic final at Dubbo in March offering $100,000 to the winner, Palawa King could be set for another major campaign.
However, his Raymond Smith remains cautious, taking things one race at a time as they assess his condition moving forward.
Jumping from box eight in Race 7 at 7:19 PM, Palawa King should get the opportunity to settle into his rhythm before launching late.
His return will be closely watched, not only to see if he can add to his glittering career but also to gauge what the 2025 year looks like for this star stayer.