Emily’s Sweet has endured her setbacks but she is now ready to take the next step in her promising racing career at Wednesday’s Richmond meeting.
Barry Howell’s charge, who has chalked up five wins from 13 races, goes in the Buttsworth Industrial Supplies Stakes (618m) aiming continue her recent good form.
A bout of tonsillitis threatened to derail the fledgling stayer’s career but she’s returned from illness well, winning her last two outings.
Central Coast-based trainer Howell is certainly confident her career is in the ascendancy.
“I definitely think she’s capable of going through the grades and running 720m,” Howell said.
“We’re not putting the cart before the horse (and) we’re giving her a chance to perform, but she’s one I’ve got a lot of plans for.
“I think she will win this race and go on to bigger and better things.”
The Richmond air certainly agrees with Emily’s Sweet, who has also placed on four other outings so far.
She has won on all three previous visits, including a 35.73 success last week.
“She’s a real greyhound,” Howell said. “She loves to chase.
“She’s a good little dog and does everything I ask of her."
Emily’s Sweet will start from box six as the fastest greyhound in the race.
The strongest opposition is likely from Earth Break (box three), who has come close to breaking 36 seconds and ran a decent runners-up berth last week at Richmond.
You would be hard-pushed to find a more knowledgeable or dedicated trainer than Howell, who works out of TOUKLEY.
The 57-year-old started handling greyhounds as a teenager and has been around the sport all his life.
A part-time taxi driver, he also receives capable assistance by wife Christine, with the pair having more than 80 years’ experience working with greyhounds.
“For me, it’s the thought of being able to turn a greyhound around,” Howell said. “That keeps me going – getting the greyhound to perform.
“If you do the right thing by the dog, they will do the right thing by you.
“I love winnign any race and it's great having that satisfaction of getting to dog performing well.”
The race is the sixth of ten on offer at Richmond, with action under way at 3.37pm.
For fields, form and expert tips, click here.
