Takahi Max has taken his time to show his best form but he looks the one to beat in Thursday’s Rags To Riches Final (race six, 520m) at Dapto.
The son of Collision and Moonshine Caddie defied wet conditions to produce a superb 29.96 run in last week’s heats and qualify as the fastest winner.
Click here to watch Takahi Max’s win last week.
That was just the greyhound's second win in 19 starts and he will jump again from box seven this week in what looks an even $4000-to-the-winner decider.
Owner-trainer Joe Bertinato said patience had been key with Takahi Max but believes his greyhound is capable of producing better things now.
“His mother was the same,” he said. “She was a regular placegetter but then she went ‘bang’ and got a few wins in town for me.
“He didn’t show me much as a pup but he has shown over the last few starts that his track sense is improving.
“If he keeps improving I think he’ll possibly pinch a couple of races in town for me in the future.”
Takahi Max was an unfancied $13.90 shot last week but finished more than three lengths clear of runner-up Paris Cruz after an impressive run.
He has been a rare winner since debuting in December last year but has a decent record at his home Dapto track, recording two victories and six minor placings in 13 visits.
Takahi Max has won two of his four previous starts from this box but faces tough opposition including in-form Senorita Jem (box four) and 102-race veteran Vivian Bale from box three.
“I don’t think there was much pace around him last week,” Bertinato said. “This week is a different story.
“This is pretty even but my greyhound has three lengths on these judging by last week.
“I’d be a lot more confident from the inside but he can win from here.”
In other action at Dapto, race eight looks a terrific battle between quality middle distance performers Winsome Senor, Martin Clegg and Laugh With Mary.
The latter had a notable win at Wentworth Park last Saturday night but Martin Clegg is a very consistent performer and can win here from box three.
Silver Label is the class runner in race seven but may be a couple of races short of his best form so look to Jazz Cruz (box five) instead for the win.
Fantastic Skye, another of Jason Fletcher’s promising pups, ran an excellent 29.79 here two starts back and looks ideally drawn in box one to take out race two.
For Dapto Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
