They may not yet be living up to the high standards of an esteemed kennelmate but Garry Edwards believes Twist">Twist Me Over and Shady Ace have the chance to shine in this year’s Nowra Spring Puppy Classic (520m).
The pair go in the second and fourth heatsrespectively of the $25,000-to-the-winner Classic this Monday.
Both greyhounds share the same dam – Tifi, who was the 2013 NSW Brood Bitch of the Year and mother to recently retired 2013 NSW Greyhound of the Year Double Twist.
They have not set the world on fire in trials but trainer Edwards believes the pair, who were both sired by Collision, have time to improve.
“They are not up to Double Twist’s ability at this stage,” he said.
“Both of them have trialled fantastically at Dapto, but not so great at this stage at Nowra, Bulli and Goulburn.
“Twist For Me has good early pace, while Shady Ace is a strong dog.
“I’ve noticed that Collision pups take a little time to develop. Once they get a bit more race experience, they seem to grow an extra leg.”
Twist Me Over clocked 26.67 in a 457m performance trial at Goulburn earlier this month, with Shady Ace going 26.78 in a 472m at Bulli a day later.
Others to watch in this year’s Classic include Frattini in the third heat, and the Steve White-trained pair Paua Explosion (fourth) and Paua To Roar in the fifth.
The latter pair have already chalked up 10 wins between them, with Paua To Roar particularly impressive.
He has won eight times and clocked a superb 25.32 for the 457m at Goulburn last month.
The Classic, which is open to eligible greyhounds whelped between Jul 1-December 31 2012 this year, has grown in stature in recent years.
It has become an important trophy for promising greyhounds.
Meanwhile, Edwards also said there was "no chance" of Double Twist's owners reversing their decision to retire the greyhound, who recorded 26 wins in a sparkling career.
The star sprinter is still at Edwards' Nowra Hill property and enjoying a comfortable post-racing life.
"It's quieter now, I can tell you," Edwards said with a smile.
"She's still at my place leading the life of leisure - and getting a bit plumper now.
"I haven't raced a dog since she ran for the last time in July.
"I just want to get back to racing - and hopefully in some of those big races."
For Nowra Monday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
