Mark Gatt believes highly-touted greyhound Kihael Kaluna is finally at his best as he heads into this Saturday’s Group 1 Ladbrokes Vic Peters Classic semi-finals.
Kihael Kaluna (pictured) jumps from box three in the second of four semi-finals of the $75,000-to-the-winner series after recording an impressive 29.83 win in the semi-finals.
Last Saturday night’s victory was the first run in almost three months for this year’s Group 3 Magic Maiden finalist, whose early career had been blighted by a tonsil problem.
After undergoing a tonsillectomy, the greyhound - who has run 29.69 at the Sydney track – looks ready to fire again.
Gatt, who trained the greyhound’s sire Oaks Road, said he ordered the procedure after noticing something was amiss with Kihael Kaluna.
“I had tried Everything, but it just kept flaring up.
“Eventually I said, ‘Enough is Enough’. If you have something irritating you when you go to work, you’re not at your best – and greyhounds are no exception.”
The move could prove to be a masterstroke with Kihael Kaluna recording the second fastest time of all the Vic Peters heat winners.
He now looks a strong chance in the semi-final but faces tough field including Zambora Brockie, who ran 29.66 here two starts back.
“He’s definitely capable of winning here, but he’s got to come out well,” Gatt said.
“He’s a mad railer (and) last Saturday night he had box one. Everything was in his favour.
“I’m hoping he gets on the fence quickly and shows his good turn of speed.”
Kihael Kaluna was purchased by the Australian Bloodstock group, co-owners of last year’s Melbourne Cup-winning thoroughbred Protectionist.
The greyhound was part of the renowned syndication team’s first sortie into greyhound racing and despite their lofty ambitions, Gatt has not been pressured to get results with their key purchase.
“I haven’t felt pressure to get results,” Gatt said.
“I’m confident that what I’m doing will work. The owners have been great so far and I really thank them for their patience.”
The Vic Peters semi-finals are part of a super night’s racing at Wentworth Park and get under way at 8.28pm (ADST).
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Meanwhile, Gatt’s former kennel star Ritza Hattie has just given birth to a “beautiful girl” after being mated with legendary Brett Lee.
Ritza Hattie was retired in April this year after scoring four Group titles and 19 wins and 23 minor placings from 50 starts.
The pup, which Gatt said he is planning to keep and race himself, was the only offspring from the mating.
