Hard work on the track is paying dividends for Sassy Sarah, who aims to continue her impressive recent form at Gosford on Tuesday night.
Slade’s charge is going for a third consecutive win in the Funnel Smash Repairs Erina Stakes (400m).
Her Hunter-based trainer Warren Slade said it had been a matter of waiting for her to hit her straps.
“I think she has just got better with racing,” Slade said. “Simple as that.
“I’ve been feeding her the same and doing the same things with her.
“She is a bit of a timid dog (and) I think it took her a while to get into racing properly.
“She’s done that and now she is going alright.”
Sassy Sarah goes from box six tonight on the back of wins over 400m at Gosford and The Gardens during the past week.
She has compiled a solid record of eight wins and six other placings from 23 starts, all at 400m level.
“I don’t think she could run the 500m level in Sydney,” Slade said. “This level suits her better.
“She hasn’t been boxed well tonight. It will all depend on whether she can get out well and go across to the rail.
“If she can keep out of trouble, then she has a chance.
“She seems to be improving all the time (and) I’m happy with her.”
They certainly don’t come much more experienced than Slade, who works out of Beresfield.
The 79-year-old has been involved with dogs for more than 60 years and is showing no sign of slowing down yet.
“You have to do something in retirement,” he said. “You cannot just sit and watch TV all the time.
“I still like the thrill of winning. I get a kick out of that.
“I still find myself shaking with excitement when I get a win.”
Tough opposition is expected from experienced Hot Bonus (box three), who has 18 wins and 30 placings from 76 starts.
The race is the third of ten on the card at Gosford, with racing starting at 6.43pm.
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