Graeme Hall looks a strong chance to land a winning double at tonight's Mandurah meeting with Whim Wham Bam and Zipping Celine both looking contenders in their respective races.
Promising newcomer Whim Wham Bam jumps from box eight in the Community Newspaper Group Stakes (race 11, 405m) fresh from a debut win at Mandurah last week.
The greyhound, who is the son of Fabregas and Magic Satinka, clocked 22.95 winning by just over a length and Hall thinks he can register another victory this weekend.
“I was very happy with his first run,” Hall said.
“He’s got his time to the first corner down to 6.81 now and his box manners are improving as well.
“He’s in a late race here which worries me, but I think he has ability. If he can learn to run straight and work across to the rail, he’ll be a decent prospect.
“He’s well-bred and with more maturity, I think he could be handy.”
Former NSW-based Zipping Celine jumps from box four in the night’s opening race over the 405m.
She has won her last two starts, including a 22.95 run here on September 1, and is fast improving since transferring west to Hall’s kennels.
Zipping Celine is a sibling of multiple race winner Zipping Socks and a daughter of Sirocco Lass, mother of the brilliant sprinter Zipping Willow.
“We were told she missed the start sometimes but since she came here she’s jumped well,” Hall said.
“She’s better suited to the 405 as she can finish strongly. Royal Freddie (in box five) is a threat but if she can sit close to him, she can win.”
Hall has been training for about eight years and combines mentoring greyhounds with running a homemade jam-making, spreads and preserves business.
“Greyhounds are a hobby for me,” Hall said.
“It’s hard work handling work and greyhounds but I’m someone who has to keep busy.
“I get great support from my family and when I get a winner – especially with one we’ve bred - it makes everything worthwhile.”
In other action at Mandurah, All Strung Out and Jed Monelli both look well drawn with the red rug to win races seven and eight respectively.
Former NSW star Down Every Road (box six) ran a good second on his WA debut behind classy Sub Zero Sahara last week and could score a win in race 10.
Meanwhile, Pilgrim’s Prince (box one) could provide some value in race four.
He has not won in 10 starts but has placed four times and this draw offers some hope of improvement.
For Mandurah Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
