Marilyn Swift has taken a step back in time with Monsoon Mam but her charge is also sowing the seeds for a potentially bright future.
The promising newcomer, who has shone in her first five outings, goes from box seven in the McDonald’s Pharmacy Stakes (484m) at Casino today.
As well as being an impressive novice, Monsoon Mam is the “spitting image” of Hurricane Jess, Swift’s first greyhound from about a decade ago.
She ended up with nearly 100 races to her name and the Northern Rivers-based trainer is hoping for a similarly long career from her latest charge.
“I’m really pleased with her,” Swift said.
“She’s on the outside and she usually starts pretty well.
“She’s up against some good much more experienced dogs here (but) she is going well.”
Monsoon Mam has steadily improved over her five outings so far and enjoyed her debut win at Casino last week.
She has improved her times with each race and is among the fastest of the scheduled starters with a best of 27.72 to her name.
Swift has higher hopes, though, for Swift Phantom, who goes from box eight in the same race.
The inconsistent campaigner hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck recently but did win over 620m at Casino last month.
“He has done well in the past (but) has been knocked out of his two races,” Swift said.
“I would like the girl to win but I think he (Swift Phantom) has a better chance.”
Swift is a former race horse owner and was introduced to greyhounds by a friend.
It’s become a family affair for the 63-year-old, with her sister Sue Pickford and partner John Hewett also trainers.
“The greyhounds are wonderful,” Swift said. “They are beautiful and it’s exciting when you win.
“You get that adrenalin rush when they win and start jumping up and down.
“I’ve enjoyed it – and I still am.”
The race is the fifth of ten on the card at Casino, with racing under way at 12.49pm.
For fields, form and expert tips, click here.
