She has been the unexpected queen of the North Coast in recent months - now Havali">Havali aims to show her class at Gosford on Tuesday night.
The impressive greyhound goes for her sixth straight win when she starts from box five in the Woy Woy Poultry Supplies Sprint Series (515m).
Havali's purple patch over recent months includes taking out Kempsey's Akubra and Taree cups and earning owner/trainer Shane Watkin thousands of dollars.
Watkin, who was close to retiring the high-flying bitch after she suffered a succession of injuries, is delighted with her success.
"These races are the biggest I have won," he said. "I couldn't be happier.
"Every time she pulls up now is a bonus (but) it's great to see her doing so well."
Havali chalked up five triumphs from her first 20 starts - including a stunning 11-length maiden win at Kempsey back in 2012 - but her early career was blighted by a recurring hip injury.
Watkin decided to retire her but held back after another of his greyhounds, the highly successful Sweet June, was incapacitated.
"If it wasn’t for that, (Havali) would have had a lot of pups by now," Watkin said.
"I brought her back and she won over 350m at Kempsey.
"Since then she's won $7000 for me in the country (and) beaten some really handy dogs."
Watkin, who is assisted by wife Kathy, said seeing Havali defeat decent bush dogs over the last few months had been special.
"It was a big thrill to beat dogs of this calibre, " the 58-year-old, who is also helped by mother and lifelong owner/trainer Shirley, said.
"I'm pretty passionate. If my dog hits the front, I don't stand by the box quietly - I pull the persuader.
"A happy dog is a good dog (and) I love seeing the dogs happy."
Watkin, who is based at Wherrol Flat, close to Taree, said he was hopeful Havali could make it six straight at Gosford.
She is the fastest of the field but has not raced since May 31 and faces Champness Gal (box four), who has impressed recently.
"She has won down there before in a good time (and) is a fourth grade dog at Gosford,” Watkin said.
"It's tough when you are a 'back yard' trainer going against the professionals at a place like Gosford, (but) I'm hopeful."
The race is seven of ten on the card at Gosford and action is under way at 6.55pm.
For Gosford fields, form and expert tips, click here.
