Greer Hopes To Skittle Opposition At Goulburn

Margaret Greer was a top tenpin bowler before becoming a respected greyhound trainer and she is hoping either Lasseters Reef and Watta Mischief can skittle the opposition at Goulburn on Tuesday.

Greer’s handy pair, who have a combined 13 wins between them, jump from boxes three and seven respectively in the day’s feature race, the Mellcat Cleaning Sprint Series Final (race nine, 350m).

 This looks a terrific race, with in-form Maggie’s Empire (box six) also having strong claims.

Lasseters Reef has won her last two starts to take her career record to 11 triumphs from 38 races and Greer believes she has the edge on her kennelmate here.

“She has the experience and is in good form,” Greer said.

“I think the 400m is her best distance, although I’m trying to get her up to 500m and have a go in the city.

“She isn’t the best starter, but as long as she gets a bit of room in the first 20 or 30 metres, she can go well.

“I think she’s got a decent chance.”

 In other action at Goulburn, Lejit Tease looks one of the best bets of the day in race two.

CHRIS Tetley’s sprinter went very smartly here two starts back and should be too strong for the rest here.

 Lewis Galea’s handy pup Black Nero (box five) looks a great chance to claim race seven.

Greer, who works out of Londonderry in western Sydney and has also owned and bred greyhounds, has been involved with the sport for more than 60 years.

She watched her father Len’s greyhounds race as a child and is a life member of the GBOTA’s City/Parramatta branch.

As a teenager she represented Australia in international tenpin bowling competition and was a multiple national champion.

Her family background prevailed, however, and she has not looked back since buying her first greyhound in 1975.

“I still get a real kick when I get a winner,” the 68-year-old said. “You find yourself punching the air and things like that.

“I think I made a fool of myself at Goulburn the other day celebrating when (Lasseters Reef) came home.

“I love the animals, the racing and the chance to test your skills.

“You get your disappointments like everyone else, but if you get a winner now and then that overrides it all.”

For Goulburn Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.