Illness has hampered Crankshaft’s progress but the improving newcomer is flying again and looks an eye-catching prospect at tonight's Lismore meeting.
The son of El Grand Senor and Hot Mint has the red rug in the third of six $10,000-to-the-winner heats of the Cosmic Rumble @Stud Sprint Series (520m), one of the biggest races of the year in the NSW Northern Rivers.
Crankshaft impressed early in his career, including a strong win over the 520m at Ipswich, but was sidelined for six weeks by kennel cough.
Since he returned in early May he was won two of his four starts and can win again here.
“I was filthy when he got ill,” trainer Neil Falls said. “He had trialled decent at Wentworth Park and was doing well.
“He’s still improving and not yet back to where he was, but he’s getting there.
“He is not overly strong but he has good mid-race speed. He’s not a desperate railer but he uses the rail well (too).
“The greyhound in five (How Much) looks a danger here but Crankshaft can win.”
Crankshaft won at Lismore over the 520m on June 2 in 30.35 before a second place at Albion Park last week behind Lara Saint.
Click here to watch a replay of that run.
He now has three victories and four minor placings from nine starts and at his best looks a good chance for the series.
Top pick on Tuesday night looks like Laverne, who jumps from box seven in the second heat (race four).
The latest promising hopeful from local trainer Frank Hancock, Laverne has won six in a row over the 420m so far.
This is her debut over the 520m but with her devastating early speed she should again win here.
Iona Champion (race three), Top Crown (race eight) and race nine’s Price Rise all look the best bets in three of the other heats.
DAVE Irwin’s Fancy Dancer has run well at Wentworth Park and looks the top pick in the sixth heat (race 10).
The final takes place next Tuesday.
Crankshaft is one of six greyhounds currently in work for Falls, who trained 2009 National Sprint runner-up Cold Fusion.
He is based in Backmede, close to Lismore, and combines training with his work as a cattle tick inspector.
“My work means it's long hours in the shed with the greyhounds," Falls said. "It's early in the morning and late at night with them.
“Training is a family thing as my grandparents had greyhounds.
“I think it’s in my blood now.
“Having greyhounds like Crankshaft and getting greyhounds in the big races makes it easier, but I love winning maiden races too.
“I just really enjoy racing.”
For Lismore Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
