Maybelline Lady always has to punch above her weight, but recently she’s landed some knockout blows.
The solid bitch aims for her 13th win in 37 starts in the Dubbo Mayors Cup Stakes (516m) at the Central West NSW track on Thursday.
She goes into the race on the back of a 400m triumph last time out at Coonamble and having secured seven placings from her last nine starts.
Dubbo-based trainer Graeme Smith said his pint-sized campaigner, who only weighs in about 25kg, was doing him proud.
“She is a big performer,” he said. “The only drawback with her is that she’s a tad small.
“She is willing to have a crack and push them out of her way, but everyone she comes up against is bigger than her.
“It’s a bit like putting Jeff Fenech up against Mike Tyson – he can compete all day but he’d never get anywhere.
“She’s a good honest dog (though) and puts in every time.”
Maybelline Lady has gone below 30 seconds for the distance and has chalked up multiple wins on her home track.
The $3000-to-the-winner-race features some handy performers, including recent consistent veteran Cosmic Apache.
Total Blitz (box six) has a race-best 29.90 for the distance and has performed well at the track previously, but has only raced sparingly in recent weeks.
Smith said Maybelline Lady, who is also being primed for a possible crack at October’s Coonamble Carnival, was drawn favourably in box three.
“That’s one thing in her favour,” he said. “She’s been drawn on the right side of the track.
“Now she’s getting older, she’s lost that early bit of speed. The 500m is definitely her best distance now.
“She has been improving recently and she has a chance (on Thursday).”
Smith has been training greyhounds for about 30 years, but has been involved with the sport all his life through family connections.
The 47-year-old said the sport had its ups and downs, but he wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“I think I’ll have greyhounds forever,” Smith said.
“I love everything about them (and) finding the next champion and race winner.
“It can feel depressing and frustrating, but I also love that satisfaction of putting all the work in and seeing it pay off with a win.
“I wouldn’t have changed anything.”
The race is the sixth of ten on the card at Dubbo, with action starting at 1.54pm.
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