Success has been child’s play for Vivian Bale recently and trainer Simon Rhodes hopes his veteran greyhound can take out tonight’s feature race at Dapto – the Dapto Supporters Club Greyhound of the Year final (520m).
Vivian Bale, who was a 30.10 winner in last week’s heats, jumps from box two in the $4,000-to-the-winner final aiming to continue her terrific recent form.
The greyhound, who has raced 120 times, has won on her last three visits to Dapto, extending her career record to 13 wins and 53 placings.
Rhodes, who recently moved to a new property at Bargo in the NSW Southern Highlands, said his young daughter Chloe’s devotion to Vivian Bale had helped the greyhound’s recent run of wins.
“Chloe loves Vivian Bale and does everything with her,” he said.
“She feeds her and I’m always finding Chloe lying on the bed with her. It’s wonderful to see them so close.
“Vivian Bale has also been working with my younger greyhounds and I think it’s given her a new lease of life.
“I think if you keep your greyhounds happy and fit, they will keep doing their best for you. She’s no superstar, but she’s super-consistent.”
The Dapto Supporters Club Greyhound of the Year is a super final, with most of the finalists boasting winning claims.
Sokyo (box one) has been in good form since returning from almost six months out in September and looks capable of running well at 520m again.
Local hope Bertacious Bee (box three), who defeated Sokyo in last week’s heats, meanwhile is a huge danger on his home track, while Martin Clegg (box eight) also has a super record at Dapto and can never be discounted.
“I would’ve preferred Vivian Bale out wide as she loves to step wide over the first 30 metres,” Rhodes said.
“Realistically, I’m not sure she can win here. Sokyo and Martin Clegg are very strong and Bertacious Bee loves Dapto.
“She is racing well (though) and she’s certainly in this race.”
Rhodes could score another win with Rain Bale in race eight (520m).
Rain Bale (box three) has placed on four of her last five visits to Dapto and ran 30.10 while finishing second at the track last week.
Sugar Hit Johnny has won his two previous starts at Dapto and looks the pick in race five (520m).
The son of Barcia Bale and Sheeza Smarty looks ideally drawn in box one and was a solid 30.44 last start winner.
Ritza Rossi (box one), from the gun Mark Gatt kennel, has not enjoyed much luck recently but can triumph in race seven (520m).
He has placed twice in strong company at Wentworth Park recently and has won two of his three previous starts with the red rug.
For Dapto Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
