Sandave Prince was an impressive debut winner and owner-trainer Dave Richardson thinks he can repeat the feat at Maitland on Thursday.
The sprinter faces fellow promising newcomers Camacho and Lord Licrick in an intriguing Supporters Club Juvenile Sprint Series (400m) heat, the meeting's seventh race.
Sandave Prince bolted round last Thursday for a maiden 22.48 win and has drawn well in box one this time around.
The 19-month-old pup already clocks the scales at about 35kg and has already surprised Richardson with his impressive progress.
“I’m more than happy with him,” Richardson said. “With the size of him, you’d think he would not come out well but he is a strong railer.
“The first time I trialled him he shocked me with his first sectionals because of the size of him.
“This is a tough race but I think he is more than up to it.”
Sandave Prince is a son of former NSW Greyhound of the Year and notable sprinter-come-stayer Miagi.
Richardson’s charge looks to have inherited his father’s power, cruising to a 10-length win on debut.
Watch Sandave Prince's debut win here.
This should be a stronger test, with Camacho (box four) going for a sixth straight win and box six’s Lord Licrick also in the mix.
“Camacho is a good dog but I don’t know if Maitland will suit him,” Richardson said.
“I love working with Sandave Prince. He’s a good-natured dog.
“The only time you hear him is when I’m taking the others for a walk – he’s got a lovely deep bark.
“I will take things slowly with him and work him through the grades.”
Richardson has been training for about 35 years after being introduced to the sport by friends.
“I enjoy getting the dogs right and seeing them perform well,” he said. “You feel you have achieved something.
“I always think you should be careful who you listen to, but at the end of the day you have to work out the best way and what suits that dog.
“Be fair dinkum as well – don’t waste your time unless you’re going to be 100 per cent for that greyhound.”
Recent Future Stars Classic winner Master Gee looks the pick in race five, the first heat.
He disappointed last start at Bulli but has won two from two at Maitland and is the fastest here on paper.
Others to watch include Klienzan (race three) .
Ten races are on the card at Maitland and action starts at 4pm.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
