Ella Has Class enjoyed a successful step-up to 600m level at Dapto last week and trainer Dean Swain is hoping for a repeat performance at the Illawarra track on Thursday night.
The daughter of Bekim Bale and Bralyn Ella jumps from box six in the night’s eighth race, the Greyhound Products Direct Stakes (600m), aiming for back-to-back wins.
Ella Has Class earned her eighth success in 30 starts last week, defeating a decent field to triumph on her debut run over 600m in 34.72.
Swain said he was not surprised by that fine win and believes his greyhound may become a middle distance specialist in the future.
“She has been really strong over the 520m,” he said.
“She had to work really hard last week but it was a gutsy win.
“She’s a really big built greyhound and I always said to her owner that she could perhaps move up to the middle distances. She has the power for this distance and she can be a force over 600m - and maybe further.
“We’ll give her a go over the 618m at Richmond in the future, but I’ll give her a few goes over the 600m first.”
Ella Has Class is a consistent performer, with 14 other minor placings to her name since her debut in August last year.
The draw should not be a problem as she is handy from the middle boxes and she enjoys visiting Dapto, having secured three victories here.
Swain’s kennel is going great guns at the moment, with Ella Has Class and Rue De Kahn providing the former roof plumber with plenty of victories.
Ella Has Class will likely face tough opposition from Martin Clegg, a quality 600m greyhound with a best of 34.63 over this distance here.
Knocka’s Return (box eight) is a class country performer and was only a length behind Ella Has Class last week.
Eye-catching newcomer Asa Hard Knox (box six) looks a strong chance in the day’s third race over 520m.
JODIE Lord’s pup clocked 29.79 on racing debut here last week and should win again with a repeat of that performance.
Remember Irene won last week in 30.03 and looks a strong chance in race six from box two.
Cy Tolliver (box six) has enjoyed four previous victories at Dapto and looks the pick in race seven.
For Dapto Thursday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
