He may be a “Spoilt brat” at times but Group 3 Canberra Cup (530m) hopeful Father Skeeta is turning into a real star for owner-trainer Les Dennis.
The flying sprinter will aim for a fifth consecutive victory when he goes from box two in the third of four heats of the $25,000-to-the-winner race this Sunday.
Since recovering from a virus which sidelined him for almost two months, the chaser has chalked up impressive wins at Bathurst, Gosford and a double success at Wentworth Park.
He’s gone sub-30 seconds around the 520m at the Glebe track and Dennis reckons there’s more eye-performances to come.
“He’s always been a hoodlum but he’s got brains in his races now,” Dennis said. “He used to go like a bull at a gate but he’s settled down now.
“He is a one-man greyhound. When I go away to race other dogs he plays up something terrible. He stands on his back feet and causes trouble.
“He is a Spoilt brat but I think he’s got a bright future.”
Last Saturday night’s win at Wentworth Park made it 10 triumphs in 31 starts for Father Skeeta.
Dennis, who used to live in Queanbeyan and served on that club’s committee during the 1980s, thinks his greyhound is ideally place to qualify for next Sunday’s final.
“He is a very strong dog and you’ve got to have strong dogs to win at Canberra,” Dennis, who now works out of Lidsdale, near Bathurst, said.
“I like him from the inside as well. He’s won three from box two.
“He’s always been a good dog - I’ve just been waiting for him to put it together.
“He is a flying machine and he will get better yet.”
Dennis has been involved with greyhounds for a good chunk of his adult life but stopped for about 20 years while he worked as a beekeeper.
The 74-year-old started again a few years ago and said greyhounds meant the world to him.
“I do a lot of thinking,” he said. “You must always be thinking about how you keep your dogs happy.
“I always walk my dogs. If you don’t get that bond with them, you’re nothing.
“My dogs are my mates and keep me going – I just love them.”
Other notables in the heats include recent NSW Nationals Distance runner-up Pumped Up Zarr (heat one), Lani Banarni in the second heat and Cawbourne Whip, who goes in the fourth.
Ten races are on the card at Canberra and action starts at 4.10pm.
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