Emotions will certainly run high if Colt Rocket can win his Group 2 Country Motor Company Dapto Puppy Classic (520m) semi-final on Thursday night.
The sprinter jumps from box seven in the third of four semi-finals after his impressive 30.37 victory in last week’s heats.
He is named after a baby son of two of owner-trainer Amy Bennett’s friends who tragically passed away after being born two weeks’ premature.
The little boy, who was just a few weeks old when he died last year, was named Colton – and wore rocket socks during his short life.
“I love all my greyhounds, but Colt Rocket probably the most special greyhound I have ever had,” Bennett said.
“Colton’s parents love watching him race, so it’s extra-special when he does well.
“It’s nice to know Colton’s legacy is living on.”
Bennett also donates a percentage of Colt Rocket’s prizemoney to Bears of Hope, an infant death support charity.
The 20-year-old will be busy on Thursday night as she has fellow qualifier Lunar Sky racing in the second semi-final.
The pair of greyhounds have endured a rollercoaster year, having been hit by injuries and a virus that swept through Bennett's kennels about a month ago.
“I doubted they would make the heats,” Bennett said. “I have never had dogs as sick as this.
“When you see the dogs so sick it makes you think, ‘what is the point’, but luckily I had some wonderful trainers and friends around me to help.
“These greyhounds been to hell and back, so I’m ecstatic they are here.”
Hard-working Bennett combines training with university studies for primary school teaching.
She can often be found with her laptop at night race meetings completing and researching assignments.
Bennett was introduced to greyhounds as a child by her trainer father Vince – “I always wanted to be the boss” – and now oversees the family’s Hawkesbury kennels.
“I love working with greyhounds and I would like to possibly make a career out of it, but I cannot see myself training greyhounds for the rest of my life,” she said.
“It’s not about winning. Even if we won the $75,000 here, it wouldn’t be about the money.
“When you breed the pups, look after them, prepare them and they go and win a race, it’s the best feeling.”
Bennett believes Lunar Sky has the better chance of the pair in the semi-finals, provided she can overcome an occasional ‘iffy’ start from the boxes and jump well.
Greyhounds to watch in the heats include Ella Has Class (heat one), heat two’s Frattini, Sokyo in heat three and Rare Pearl in heat four.
For Dapto Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
