It is a nerve-racking time for the connections of champion greyhound Miata">Miata (pictured) but the signs suggest their wait will be worthwhile.
The former double Australian Greyhound of the Year winner and much-loved WA star of the track, who won 42 of 51 races in her remarkable career, is due to whelp her second litter next Sunday.
The litter was sired by Turanza Bale, the father of the star sprinter-turned-stayer Xylia Allen.
Miata’s trainer Paul Stuart said he was looking forward to the arrival of the prospective pups and that their mother was in good shape.
“We certainly hope they will run as fast as their pedigree suggests,” he said.
“Miata is good as gold at the moment. She’s quite big so there will be a few pups.
“She seems happy enough and looking healthy (but) no doubt it will be a busy day.”
Miata’s phenomenal career included setting nine track records at six courses in four different states.
Among her incredible list of victories was the Group 1 2012 Association Cup at Wentworth Park.
Click here to watch a replay of that race.
Turanza Bale enjoyed 22 wins from 78 starts in a distinguished racing career for gun Victorian trainer Graeme Bate.
He also fathered Grigorieva Bale, the 2013 Golden Easter Egg winner, with Kingston Bale.
This will be the second litter Miata - a $715,000 stake earner for Stuart - has whelped.
Her first litter of seven pups, born last Melbourne Cup day, are currently enjoying their racing education with different trainers.
“They are looking well and it’s just a matter of waiting a little longer with them now,” Stuart, who kept two of the pups, said.
“It’s a bit of a nervous time right now but as long as everything goes fine and they are born healthy, that’s the main thing.
“We hope second time around will be easier and she can handle it all.”
