Shesa Felon was the surprise star of the Group 3 Laurie Healion Memorial Maiden (515m) heats at Unibet Gardens but trainer Caroline Hughes believes her greyhound can continue that form in the series.
The daughter of Hesa Felon and Camilla Rose jumps from box two in the third of today’s three semi-finals (race eight) having taken time honours in last week’s heats.
Shesa Felon was a $30.80 shot for the race but saluted in a scorching 29.56, defeating hot pups Chevy Prince and Good Odds Angel into the bargain.
Click here to watch Shesa Felon’s heat run.
Hughes has only had the greyhound for about three weeks but their partnership seems is already paying off.
“Last week wasn’t a fluke,” Hughes said. “She’s been trialling very well for us.
“When she came to us she looked a little tubby. She was finding it a little bit difficult to reach the full 500 metres, but she’s looking good now.
“We’re really happy with this draw (and) happy with her. She’s quite smart for a young pup and seems quite switched on.
“Maiden races can obviously be unpredictable but she’s got a good chance.”
Shesa Felon faces a rematch here with prized asset Chevy Prince (box three).
Jason MACKAY’s boom pup clocked a respectable 29.64 himself last week finishing third behind Shesa Felon and has a top-notch pedigree.
The son of Fabregas and Chevy Princess is owned by renowned leading thoroughbred syndication group Australian Bloodstock.
The group are part-owners of 2014 Melbourne Cup winning thoroughbred Protectionist and Chevy Prince is part of their first venture into greyhound racing.
Company principals Luke Murrell and Jamie Lovett, who is an old mate of gun trainer MACKAY, are believed to have purchased Chevy Prince for $70,000.
This high-class race will also feature Basque, a daughter of Where’s Pedro and Mckew who won her heat in 29.97 and could threaten from box one.
The first semi-final features another of MACKAY’s promising pups, Zipping Comet (box two).
He is a son of Magic Sprite and Pink Bandanna and clocked 29.98 on debut last week.
Craig Chappelow’s Pass Lee, another heat winner who looks a decent roughie for the series, jumps from box six here.
The son of legendary Brett Lee and Surpassing ran 30.00 in his heat.
Good Odds Angel, who split Shesa Felon and Chevy Prince in last week’s heat, jumps from box four in this race.
Beau Hedley’s promising Heir Of King looks the one to back in second semi-final.
A son of Bogie King and Bogie Angel, he ran a strong 29.76 to triumph last Saturday.
Zipping Sasha (box seven), another of MACKAY’s exciting pups who finished second by a head behind Pass Lee last week, also features here.
For Unibet Gardens Friday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
