Calla Blackie looks a strong chance for this afternoon’s Classicbet Bonus Puppy Classic Final (365m) at Nowra.
The improving chaser goes in the $2,000-to-the-winner final less than 48 hours after finishing a strong second to Gilgamesh in a 520m event on Saturday at Wentworth Park.
Trainer John Callaughan, who also owns the sprinter with wife Sue, said he was not overly concerned by the quick back-up.
“She’s still young so I think fit enough to handle it,” he said.
Calla Blackie’s early progress was hampered by a shoulder injury but she has since overcome that and has been a highly consistent performer since July.
The daughter of Fabregas was the standout from last week’s heats, winning her race in 20.81.
She is usually strong from close to the rail so Callaughan believes she should be suited jumping from box two in today’s $2,000 to the winner feature.
The likeliest challenger in the final looks like Stilton Gold, who also won her heat but has drawn unfavourably in box six.
Callaughan is enjoying some notable success at the moment.
In addition to Calla Blackie, Peter’s Pick was a finalist in the Group 3 John Stollery Christmas Gift Final at Wentworth Park on Saturday.
Callaughan’s reliable city performer Watto Lotto, who has more than 100 races to his name, has also enjoyed a handful of wins at Wentworth Park this year.
The 63-year-old, who works out of Sydney’s west, was a talented teenage footy player and a former thoroughbred trainer and bookmaker.
“Training greyhounds is 24/7 but I enjoy it,” he said. “I’m retired and you’ve got to do something in life.
“I get a buzz out of winning but I love working with the animals.
“You can’t win all the time but I expect my greyhounds to run their best. If they do that, I’m happy.”
Oceania (race two) and Fancy Fran in race nine also look strong chances at Nowra.
For Nowra Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
