If Princess Mei Mei turns out to be a success story, Michael Edmunds has someone very close to home to thank.
The chaser aims for consecutive wins in the first of two Dapto Puppy Auction Sprint Series (457m) heats at Goulburn on Tuesday.
She was picked out by Edmunds’ wife Xue Mei, who also picked out the couple’s 2011 Group 2 Dapto Puppy Classic (520m) winner Vancouver Kiss at the earlier auction.
Princess Mei Mei has been earmarked for a potential crack at the 2014 race next month and owner-trainer Edmunds hopes his wife has made another good choice.
“She has let me know about (picking Vancouver Kiss) once or twice,” Edmunds said with a smile.
“Princess Mei Mei is not electrifying but she has trialled well over 400m at Bulli.
“If I think she is good enough to run 500m, we’ll give it a go again this year.”
Princess Mei Mei is stepping up in distance here after earning a first win on her second start at Goulburn earlier this month.
She has not drawn ideally in box seven but Edmunds thinks she is still a decent chance.
“I think it’s a winnable race,” he said. “The last 80 metres will be the turning point.
“She cannot run the hands off the clock but she won before here from the eight, when she worked hard to get to the front.
“I think each way is worthwhile.”
Magic Earner (box four) also has claims.
Edmunds, who turns 48 this Friday, also has Nowhere Fast jumping from box four in the second heat.
She won impressively as a $25 shot last time out at Bulli but Edmunds is not keen on her chances here.
“She is faster than Princess Mei Mei but just not putting it together,” he said.
“I think she will struggle here but you never know.”
Tappo Osteria (box three) and Ella Has Class from box seven look two to consider.
Cawbourne Cobra (race eight) and Gotta Plan, in race nine, look strong chances.
Part-time owner/trainer Edmunds, from Wolli Creek, was involved with racing for several years before work commitments took over.
Vancouver Blue was a notable winner for Edmunds after he returned to the sport.
“I have family who follow my greyhounds so it keeps us together,” he said.
“I couldn’t do this without my wife, who is a great help.
“Even if the dog doesn’t know it’s won it’s great to see them happy and enjoying racing.”
Ten races are on the card at Goulburn and action starts at 3.10pm.
For Gouburn Tuesday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
