Whittaker">Whittaker is a “freakish” talent but he will have to do things the hard way at Friday night’s South Coast Challenge Sprint Event Series Final (520m) at Dapto.
The exciting newcomer has caught the eye with some highly impressive times and looks a strong contender for this final, but has been handed a tough box draw.
A “desperate” railer according to co-trainer Bruce Fletcher, Whittaker will start from box seven and will need his notable speed to stand a chance.
Fletcher, who looks after the greyhound alongside wife Julie, admitted fortune had not smiled on his hope but he remains optimistic.
“He is looking good but the box draw has not helped us,” Fletcher said.
“He has time on the opposition but the box draw is a great leveller, especially at a tight track like Dapto.
“He has looked terrific so far but we have our fingers, toes and everything else crossed.”
Whittaker has already made a strong impact, winning three of his first four outings and qualifying for last month’s Group 3 Dapto Maiden (520m) final.
He could only finish fourth on that occasion but bounced back with another impressive win over 472m at Bulli earlier this month.
“In the semi-final of the Maiden he went close to the track record,” Fletcher said. “For a greyhound of his age, that was a freakish run.
“I think he ran the best time of the night at Bulli as well.
“We have to miss the interference (and) he will have to find a way through the field but he can do it.”
Regardless of the outcome, Fletcher believes his greyhound may soon be in contention for the big titles.
“He is capable of going bigger and better,” he said.
“I think we’ll look at taking him to the city in about a month.
“I would expect more improvement yet. If he can continue to learn and develop, I think he is a Group-level greyhound.”
The biggest threats in the final look like Phil Goodsell’s Hollie Anne (box five) and solid Boss Electro, who starts from box three for Majella Ferguson.
For Dapto fields, form and expert tips, click here.
The night is part of the Thank Dog It’s Friday series, which showcases the best racing at regional NSW tracks in a primetime Friday night slot.
For more information on the series, click here.
