Three Grandsons has been through some testing times in his fledgling career but now he is ready to test his flying form at Wednesday’s Maitland meeting.
The promising sprinter goes for his fourth consecutive win in the Commercial Hotel Morpeth Stakes (400m).
It has been an impressive spell for the greyhound after he got – in the words of trainer Steve Atkins – “smashed” on his debut at Gunnedah.
Atkins is also relieved Three Grandsons has made it to the track after his charge suffered a life-threatening paralysis tick as a pup.
“I thought that might be the end of his racing days,” he said. “Something like that can really knock them around.
“He has bounced back very well.
“He is a brilliant box dog and that is what wins races.”
Three Grandsons suffered a tough start to his racing career, only finishing fifth on debut at Gunnedah after being caught in the pack.
He has recovered impressively, though, chalking up a hat-trick of wins on home soil at The Gardens.
This will be a first visit to Maitland but his Hunter-based trainer is confident the winning run can continue.
“He is only young so we’re not getting excited, but to win three from four is pretty good,” Atkins said.
“He is getting stronger, so we may step him up in three or four weeks and see if he can cope with the 500m.
“I think the two turn tracks suit him better, but it’s good to give him the chance over these big tracks.
“He can run 22.80 all day for this distance and he’s doing well.”
Atkins said his charge, who will start from box six, was a pleasure to work with.
“He is a beautiful kennel dog,” he said.
“The only time he makes a noise is when my back is turned to him when I’m making his food,” he said.
“There’s greyhounds in this race who have won several races. You’ve got to respect that.
“I don’t like predicting anything (but) he has a reasonable chance.”
Box five’s Hanify Blaze has a decent four wins from 13 starts, while Terry Shybow (box seven) is inconsistent but has previously won at Maitland.
Ten races are on the card and action starts at 3.42pm.
For Maitland fields, form and expert tips, click here.
