Dean Casey knows a thing or two about having a handy strike rate but he has nothing on his super greyhound City Breeze, who looks a strong chance at Grafton today.
City Breeze, who has won or placed on each of her 13 starts so far, jumps from box four in the third of four Village Green Sprinters Cup heats (407m, race seven).
She is in great form at the moment with three wins from her last four starts and has a strong record at the Grafton track, with four triumphs from six visits there.
Owner-trainer Casey, who is also a handy forward for the Casino Cobras soccer team in the Football Far North Coast competition, believes City Breeze can win again here.
“We broke her in at Grafton so she knows the place,” he said. “The straight start there suits her.
“As long as nothing cuts across her here, she should be okay.
“I’m not overly confident as this is a strong race (and) I would have preferred her out wide, but I’m hoping she can go well.”
City Breeze has been a star performer for Casey since debuting in August last year.
Injury problems initially hampered her progress but she has built a notable record and looks a strong chance for this $7000-to-the-winner series.
Click here to watch her win at Grafton on June 18.
As well as soccer and greyhounds, Casey also assists his mother Debbie and father Stephen on their Doubtful Creek farm, just outside Casino.
The 25-year-old was introduced to the sport as a child and is still fiercely passionate about greyhound racing.
“I’ve always loved greyhounds, ever since I was a young fellow,” Casey said. “My grandparents on both sides had greyhounds so I’ve always been around them.
“We breed greyhounds as well owing and training them. When you watch them right from that stage to hopefully winning races, it’s very satisfying.
“I love seeing them develop and then when they win, it’s a real blast.”
Pat Lavis has been one of the Northern Rivers’ top trainers in 2015 and can score another win here in the first heat (race five) with in-form Western Dave from box six.
The Dart kennel has been flying recently and they can score another win today with Zabaleta in race six (box eight).
Country Gun has done well at other NSW Country tracks so far and can win from box one in race eight.
The $7,000-to-the-winner final, one of the biggest races of this year’s Grafton Winter Carnival, is next Wednesday.
For Grafton Wednesday fields, forms and expert picks, click here.
