Genghis Khan has a fearsome name and he’s slowly building a reputation to match.
The experienced campaigner goes from box six in the Wine Wise Free For All Stakes (515m) at Angle Park on Thursday night aiming to continue his impressive recent form.
Kathy Johnstone has trained Genghis Khan for about six months on behalf of owner Michael Laffey.
Johnstone, who works alongside husband Darrell, said perseverance had paid off with the initially timid greyhound.
“He was very shy when we first got him,” she said. “He has come out of his shell and realised we are his friends.
“Now he is enjoying his racing and looking lovely.
“It’s a tough race. Box six never suits any one.
“I think he’s got a chance though.”
Genghis Khan’s father was the formidable Brett Lee, who notched up 29 wins from 37 starts in his sparkling career.
Johnstone’s charge has not hit those heights but has compiled a solid record of 14 wins from 48 starts and has a best of 29.68 for the distance.
Genghis Khan will start inside another of Johnston’s dogs, Encosta Kahn.
He has an eye-catching 26 wins from 76 starts and is also in decent nick.
“He is a bit of an enigma for us,” Johnstone said.
“He got bowled over on the track (last December) and was out (unconscious) for five minutes.
“We got a standing ovation when we eventually walked him off the track.
“We’ve gradually got him back to running similar times.
“Genghis Kahn has the better chance (but) they are both lovely dogs and great to work with.”
Retired Johnstone and has been training dogs for about 10 years after being introduced to the sport by family.
“I love the dogs,” she said.
“It’s a lot of fun, it gets the adrenalin pumping and it gets you out of bed.
“You have to be prepared that your animal will not win every time, but that’s what happens.
“It’s a lot of fun.”
The race is the eighth of 11 on the card at Angle Park, with action starting at 7.11pm (AEST).
For Angle Park fields, form and expert tips, click here.
