Young Gun McBain is approaching a century of starts but the evergreen veteran looks a strong winning chance in Thursday’s SA Ladbrokes National Sprint (515m) heats.
The son of Spring Gun and Flame McBain goes for a fifth win in six starts in the second of three SA qualifiers at Angle Park (race six).
This is a 92nd start for Vadim Roz’s greyhound, with his recent excellent form extending his career record to 25 wins and 38 minor placings.
He clocked a scorching 29.67 earlier this month over the 515m and although he has a tough draw in box eight here, Roz believes his veteran can triumph again.
“The older he’s getting and the more starts he has, the better he gets,” Roz said.
“It’s a bad draw but he’s had a couple of 600 metre runs recently which have made him stronger. He’s still right in this race.
“If he keeps within a length or two of the lead, he should finish off well.”
Click here to watch a replay of Young Gun McBain’s win at Angle Park last Thursday.
Young Gun McBain has been among the stars of a hugely successful litter that also included Gun McBain, who has more than 30 wins to his name.
“They’ve won about $250,000 in prizemoney and had close to 130 wins between them all,” Roz said.
“It’s all down to the greyhounds – they make me look good.
“Even after all these starts, Young Gun McBain is still maturing and learning. That’s why he’s racing well.”
Roz also said he believed “individual care” was the secret to extending his greyhounds’ longevity.
“If they are doing things they want to do, they will race better,” he said.
“If they are sat in their kennels miserable, I don’t think they will put in. You need to keep your greyhound happy.
“Recently, Young Gun McBain has started having a roll on the grass before each race. He gets up, shakes himself and looks like he is thinking, ‘that felt good – now I’m ready to race’.
“I think whatever makes your greyhound happy, you stick with that.”
In-form Margaret Keeping (race five) and boom pup It’s Classified look the picks in the other heats (races five and seven).
Two heats of the SA National Distance are also taking place over the 731m at Angle Park.
Grifter Bale (race two) and Group 1 winner Luna Jinx in race three looks the best bets.
For Angle Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Meanwhile, three heats of the Queensland Sprint titles take place at Albion Park on Thursday over the 520m.
Look for Pikelet (race six), Flash Reality (race seven) and Keybow (race eight) to salute.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
