Ray Steele has been playing it slow and steady with Lady Ronray but now it looks like time for a shot at the big prizes.
The exciting sprinter won her 10th race from 11 starts at Wentworth Park on Saturday night and will now been nominated for the Group 1 Sportingbet Vic Peters Classic (520m) heats.
Lady Ronray made it four out of four over 520m at Wentworth Park with her latest triumph, achieved thanks in part to a notable first sectional burst of 5.37.
Click here to watch Lady Ronray's latest triumph.
Steele, who is also preparing the greyhound for a shot at Sandown Park’s Group 2 Laurels Classic in December, said he was reluctantly aiming his charge for the prestigious titles alongside top-class company.
“She is still a baby really,” he said. “I don’t want her to be crucified by these excellent greyhounds she will face.
“When you get leading trainers coming up and telling me how much they think of her then I suppose you’ve got to go for it.
“It will not be a pushover but I think with her early speed and how she is racing, then it is worth her having a go.”
Since debuting at Grafton back in June Lady Ronray has an almost impeccable racing record.
She secured her latest win in a handy 29.87 – her best time for the 520m at Wentworth Park so far.
A daughter of Cosmic Rumble, who won 20 races in a notable career, Lady Ronray looks like being a handy greyhound for Menangle Park-based Steele.
The 66-year-old has had plenty of good greyhounds in his time, including the 2009 Puppy Classic winner Tian Hao Lee, but Lady Ronray may prove to be the best.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had one that’s had such a good start (to racing) as her,” Steele said.
“I don’t get too nervous for myself when she’s running, but I do get nervous for her.
“This is what you are in it for as a trainer. We are just trying to enjoy it and do the best by her.”
The Vic Peters heats take place at Wentworth Park this Saturday, with semi-finals before the final on Saturday, November 1.
Fields for the $75,000-to-the-winner race will be released on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Lady Ronray’s promising littermate Ronray Spirit goes in the second race at Bulli on Wednesday.
He faces an interesting battle with Steve White’s exciting sprinter Foxy Nakita in the World Famous Bulli Dogs 2 Nite Stakes (400m).
For Bulli Wednesday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
