Trainer Mark Gatt is preparing for a highly anticipated showdown at Wentworth Park on Saturday night, where his two kennelmates, Jungle Johnny and Reborn Hostility, will compete in a New South Wales heat of the National Sprint Championship over 520 meters. The event forms part of qualifying rounds across Australia, leading up to the Group 1 Sprint and Distance Grand Finals scheduled for August 29 at Sandown Park in Melbourne.

Jungle Johnny, the track record holder at Wentworth Park, is heavily favored in the second and stronger of the two New South Wales sprint heats. Starting from box two, he is currently installed at odds of $1.20. His main rival is Reborn Hostility, trained by Gatt’s brother, Daniel, who will break from box one and is listed at $6.

Both greyhounds have demonstrated impressive recent form. Jungle Johnny made headlines two starts ago when he became the first sprinter to break the 29-second barrier at Wentworth Park, recording a track record time of 28.86 seconds. In his latest run, despite a less-than-ideal start from box eight and some early interference, he still managed a solid 29.14 seconds.

Gatt described Jungle Johnny as a “special dog” who can perform exceptionally even when not executing perfectly. “He didn’t begin that well and bounced off his kennelmate, Sammy Ethan, before he balanced up and let go,” Gatt said. “There wouldn’t be many dogs you could say that about.”

Reborn Hostility has also been in strong form, winning her last three starts at Wentworth Park while consistently lowering her times to 29.54, 29.50, and most recently 29.41 seconds. Mark Gatt acknowledges her ability to deliver impressive performances but remains confident Jungle Johnny holds the edge.

“You wouldn’t think so, Jungle Johnny is just too fast,” Gatt said about Reborn Hostility's chances of overtaking his kennelmate. “But Reborn Hostility just does special things, so maybe she might go even better chasing a real fast one. Who knows? We’ll find out on Saturday night.”

Gatt added that if Jungle Johnny leads early and maintains a time around 29 seconds, it would likely be impossible for any competitor to catch him. The heat promises to be a thrilling contest as both dogs vie for a place in the prestigious National Sprint final later this month.