Blue Opinion made evergreen trainer Roger O’Neill wait for success but the improving greyhound looks good for another victory at Casino on Friday.
The sprinter goes from box four in the second of a quartet of AB Casey Memorial Sprint Series (484m) heats aiming for a third consecutive triumph.
Blue Opinion went winless over his first 13 outings but has belatedly found form with top spots at Kempsey and Wauchope in recent weeks.
He had endured mixed fortunes on his first two visits to Casino – a runner-sup spot and a last place respectively – but O’ Neill is optimistic for a better run this time around.
“The first time he went to Casino he didn’t handle the track,” O’Neill said. “He should have won easily but got on the wrong foot and lost the lead.
“Last time he was there he stayed in his box and ran a shocker.
“It depends on the dogs around him but if he jumps well he has got a chance.”
Blue Opinion will have to overcome a tough draw and there’s some tricky opposition in store as well.
Intensive Storm (box two) won over 520m at Lismore on Tuesday night for Codrington’s Dean Turley, while John Free’s Blimzilla (box five) won on last start at Grafton.
“No-one likes box four,” O’Neill said.
“(Blue Opinion) has had a few injury niggles but he’s starting to come good now.
“He is learning how to race (and) is going well.”
O’Neill has been training dogs for more than 30 years after being introduced by a mate.
The 62-year-old, who works out of Toormina near Coffs Harbour, is showing no signs of cooling his passion.
“I love my dogs – I treat them like royalty,” he said. “I wouldn’t live without them.
“I stay fit and healthy walking my dogs and it keeps me young.
“You never stop learning and I still get a great buzz getting a winner, especially if it’s a maiden or one you’ve bred yourself.
“I’ll be doing this until they put me in a box.”
Trevor Thompson’s Baiden Rose Hi aims to make it hat-trick of wins in the third heat.
Northern Rivers standout pair Bogan Miss and Something Blue go head-to-head in the Casino Golf Club Stakes (484m).
Ten races are on the card at Casino and action starts at 12.49pm.
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