Shakey Jakey took David Pringle on the ride of his life earlier this year and the Clergate trainer could unveil a new kennel superstar in the form of Master Shot.
The highly exciting sprinter takes part in the heats of the Group 3 Dean Industrial Dapto Maiden (520m) this Thursday night.
Master Shot underlined his ability by setting a new best for Bathurst’s 450m during a performance trial earlier this year before being sidelined by injury.
After his charge confirmed his return to fitness with another successful trial, owner-trainer Pringle believes the eye-catching novice is ready to go.
“It wasn’t a career-threatening injury, but we’ve had to take precautions with him,” Pringle said. “It has taken a bit of time.
“He has not been 100 per cent but by the time of the heats he will be fine and ready to go.
“I’m looking forward to racing this dog. If everything holds up then the next 12 months could be exciting.”
Master Shot showed his class with a stunning 25.31 trial run at Bathurst in March in which he defeated his rival by almost 16 lengths.
That time was then lowered a week later by fellow Pringle greyhound Shakey Jakey, who went on to make national headlines after breaking the 520m track record at Wentworth Park on debut before being retired to stud.
Master Shot then travelled to Melbourne to work with top Victorian trainer Jason Thompson, but sustained a hock injury.
After returning home and recovering, he flew round the 450m at Bathurst again in an eye-catching 25.67 trial earlier this month.
He has drawn an unfavourable box eight in the last of eight heats for Thursday’s race but Pringle still reckons Master Shot will be tough to stop.
“The box isn’t the best but I’ve been through the form and I think he could be hard to beat,” Pringle said.
“Whether he puts a time on the board, I’m not sure. If he gets an unhampered run then it’s possible.
“I would have loved him to have had seven or eight runs by now but he is still young.
“Sometimes patience is what it’s all about.”
Others to look out for in the heats include Steven White’s debutant Paua To Escape (race four), who has clocked 30.52 in 520m trials at the Illawarra track.
Luke Azzopardi’s Mr Emgrand makes his debut in race three having also trialled well.
There are eight heats of the Maiden this week, with semi-finals taking place next Thursday.
The final, which has $25,000 to the winner, is on Thursday, August 28.
Ten races are on the card at Dapto and action starts at 7.29pm.
For Dapto fields, form and expert tips, click here.
