Former Victorian star Ollie Bale faces a daunting field at Cannington on Saturday night including recent Golden Easter Egg finalist Over Limit but trainer Enzo Crudeli think his new charge can win.
Last year’s Group 1 Silver Chief winner (pictured), who recently transferred to Crudeli’s Nambeelup kennels in WA, jumps from box five in a heat of the Rhino Water Tanks Lew Dorsa Memorial (530m, race six).
The former Andrea Dailly-trained greyhound may now be classed as a veteran but still has class, as demonstrated by his second place finish in the recent Group 1 Australian Cup.
He looks to have settled into his new surroundings well and Crudeli thinks the greyhound can enjoy more success.
“He’s more than $200,000 and raced all over the country, so he knows what he is doing,” Crudeli said.
“I wish we’d had more time with him, but I think he’ll improve in a couple of weeks.
“He looks like he is already fitting in well here and he enjoys racing wherever he is.
“The pressure in WA is obviously not as great as in Victoria. I’m hoping we’ll have some fun with him."
Ollie Bale won on a trip to Cannington earlier this year and is still a high-class contender.
He finished second behind Luca Neveelk in February’s Australian Cup and defeated a field containing quality greyhounds Gorham Bale and Dyna Yemen for that last triumph at The Meadows.
Although his record of 19 wins and 21 minor placings from 82 starts may appear modest, he has raced against some of the country’s best for most of his career.
Ollie Bale has a mixed record from the squeeze boxes and the big question is whether he can cope with the pace on his inside, including Over Limit (box two).
Over Limit is debuting at track after racing mostly in Victoria so far.
He produced a strong Golden Easter Egg campaign, running 29.46 and 29.64 in his heat and semi-final at Wentworth Park before finishing seventh in the decider.
Another former Victorian, All Strung Out, jumps from box three and must also be considered.
He has been in great form since transferring to the WA kennels of Chris Halse and has won his last three starts in decent company.
Last week’s WA Greyhounds Final winner Stangafied jumps from box eight in the night’s seventh race.
He is in flying form at the moment but this draw may slow him down so Bottom Dollar (box two) may be the likelier winner.
Jabba Da Pup (race four) and Living Proof in race eight both have decent records here and look too strong for their respective fields.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
