Gavin Harris is an IT whiz and he is aiming to program a surprise in Thursday night’s Group 3 Brian Johnstone Memorial (515m) semi-finals at Angle Park with Dashing Dee Dee.
The sprinter goes for Harris, who combines hobby training with running two computer software businesses, in the first of two semi-finals of the $25,000-to-the-winner race.
Dashing Dee Dee has not drawn well in box six but has a chance if she can repeat her 30.12 run in last week’s heats.
She faces some tough competition here as well but with two wins and seven placings from her eight starts so far cannot be ruled out.
“She has ability,” Harris said.
“I would have preferred her inside and she loves the rail but she’s in with a chance here.
“She’s just slow early but she has a strong finish.
“It’s tough field (but) I’m excited for the race.”
The two semi-finals are dominated by gun Victorian Jeff Britton and local Vadim Roz, who have nine of the 16 starters between them.
Oakvale Flyer (box one), from the Britton kennel, is the one to beat in the first semi-final.
The classy sprinter has placed at Group level and although usually better boxed wide looks to have the pace on this field.
Kennelmate Weblec Belle is worth considering from box two given last week’s super victory in the heats and sound record from the inside boxes.
Britton’s double Group winner Oakvale Destiny (box three) looks the pick in the second semi-final, having recorded a 29.63 run in last week’s heats.
Kennelmate Texas Titan is a smart pup and should pose the biggest threat from box two based on last week’s solid heat run.
Harris has been breeding, owning and training greyhounds for about 13 years after first being introduced to the sport as a teenager by his father.
He rates Springvale Jinx, who had 27 victories in a mammoth 141 race career, as his best greyhound.
Harris works out of McLaren Vale, just outside Adelaide and still enjoys track life.
“It can be awkward,” he said.
“My wife is a great help. She brings the greyhounds to the office and I take them out in the trailer from there.
“I like the breeding side of things and looking for the next champion. It’s always enjoyable having a winner as well.
“It’s a good break from the computers.”
For Angle Park Thursday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
