Ernie Bung Arrow has had no time to relax since returning from injury and trainer Ken Gill hopes the hard yakka will pay off.
The formidable sprinter, who has accrued 20 wins from 22 starts so far, starts his bid for a second straight Group 1 Macro Meats Adelaide Cup (515m) on Thursday night.
After almost nine months out injured with a chipped wrist bone, Ernie Bung Arrow returned in style with his latest victory over 388m at Angle Park two weeks ago.
His trainer said everything was being down to prepare the greyhound for a successful defence of his crown.
"We've been trying to cram three weeks' preparation into ten days," Gill said.
"It's a bit nerve-racking seeing him race again but I'm not frightened of him break down. The leg has had plenty of time to mend.
"The vet cannot see any problems with him (and) he is fit and active."
The star chaser's fantastic start to racing included capturing last year's Group 3 Schweppes SA Derby and the $75,000-to-the-winner cup.
He has drawn the outside box for his heat - the sixth of seven - but Gill said that should not cause too many worries.
"He won the cup last year from the eight so it shouldn't hurt him," the trainer said.
"He should ping out from the lids - or at least I hope so - and have the pace to win.
"He's not three years old yet so if we do everything right by him and come along slowly then he should be right on his peak."
Several other top-class greyhounds are among the seven heats of the cup on offer at Angle Park.
Allen Deed, who was an impressive heat winner in the recent Group 2 Bob Payne Sprint Sprint (515m), goes in heat two.
He motored round Wentworth Park in 29.43 but could not back this up in the final, finishing sixth.
This year's Group 1 Sapphire Crown winner and Group 3 SA Oaks Final winner Oakvale Destiny looks hard to stop in heat four.
Home hopeful Aston Kane, who has a remarkable 14 wins from 17 starts, goes in the fifth heat.
Victorian Crackerjack Dak looks the pick in the final heat.
The final takes place on Friday, October 10.
Twelve races are on the card at Angle Park and action starts at 7.12pm.
For Angle Park Thursday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
