Zipping Steve certainly has the pedigree to do well and he looks tough to stop in today’s Bathurst RSL Soldier’s Saddle (520m) semi-finals.
The consistent novice sprinter, who has placed in all eight of his starts so far, jumps from box five in the fourth and final semi-final.
He was among the fastest qualifiers for the semi-finals of the $10,000-to-the-winner race, winning his heat last week in an impressive 30.20.
Zipping Steve shares the same mother – Sirocco Lass – with the current queen of NSW sprinting Zipping Willow and owner-trainer Trevor Jones snr can see the family resemblance.
“If he has half of her ability I would be happy,” Jones said. “He’s definitely got that good early pace.
“I don’t think the box draw will worry him. The greyhound in four and the one in six are both slow early, which will help him.
“He has that early speed and good box manners as well.
“I would say he’s a good up-and-coming youngster.”
Jones, who works out ORANGE in the NSW Central West, bought Zipping Steve as a pup from the notable Hallinan breeders.
The chaser, a son of two-time NSW Greyhound of the Year finalist Mandagery Man, has won three of his eight races so far and never finished out of the placings.
He is moving through the distances well and enjoys his visits to Bathurst.
Click here to watch Zipping Steve's heat victory.
“I know he can go quicker than he did last week,’ Jones said. “At his best he can run 29.80.
“He got bumped from pillar to post last week and still did well.
“As long as he doesn’t get too touched up and gets a clear run, he has a good chance.
“When this series is over, I might take him to Wentworth Park for trials there and we’ll see what he can do.”
Jones said Bass Louder (box seven), who has five wins from eight starts, is the main danger.
Others to watch in the heats include Majestic Odessa in the first heat, Zipping Trixie in the second heat and Black Lagoon in heat three.
The final is next Monday.
Racing at Bathurst Monday starts at 3.55pm.
For Bathurst Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
