Quick To Go - the fastest qualifier for Saturday night’s Group 3 Classicbet Nowra Puppy Classic - was a lucky acquisition for 81-year-old trainer Charlie Dalton.
The greyhound’s owner Graham Ganderton had asked Double Twist’s trainer Garry Edwards to train the greyhound, but when Garry’s kennels were filled to capacity he recommended that Charlie be given the training duties.
In last week’s semi-finals Quick To Go lived up to its name, leading throughout to score in 30.04 with Highbury running down brilliant front runner Leica Destiny to win the other run-off in 30.26.
"Quick To Go is the only greyhound I have in work," Charlie said.
"She is no world beater but will win a few races and has a chance at Nowra, although I would have preferred her drawn inside rather than in box eight.
"Quick To Go was lucky in her semi because at the first turn a dog inside her clipped her back legs and if that greyhound had been a bit closer my bitch might have got tipped over.
"I have had greyhounds since I was a kid and grew up in Forest Lodge, near Harold Park greyhound and trotting track.
"While still at school I used to sell the Greyhound Recorder outside the track on behalf of the local newsagent."
Stilton Blue, pre-post favourite for the Nowra Classic, was relegated to fourth in his semi-final but Charlie Dalton reckons he is the dog to beat on Saturday.
"Stilton Blue is a top class greyhound," Charlie said.
Trainer Phil Goodsell believes Stilton Blue will be better this week than he was last Monday.
"He was a bit out of sorts last week and missed the start before finding trouble," Phil said.
"Stilton Blue pulled up well though and is ready to run a big race even though he has box four."
Stilton Blue could get a nice run courtesy of his kennelmate Hollie Anne, who has box five and is a wide runner.
"Hollie Anne is not out of it either, her run home time last week was terrific," Phil added.
Likely pacemaker is the Susan Sundstrom trained Leica Destiny, box three.
She led to the home turn before finishing second to Highbury in her semi final and her first split of 4.36 was 0.03 faster than Quick To Go recorded.
