Leeroy Roller has exploded onto the NSW scene but trainer Jeff Crawford has struck a note of caution ahead of tonight’s Group 2 Dapto Puppy Auction Classic (520m) semi-final.
The Queensland greyhound jumps from box seven in the first of four semi-finals fresh from his impressive 29.43 win from box one in last week’s heats of the $67,500-to-the-winner series.
That was Leeroy Roller’s first appearance in NSW and extended his record to seven wins and three minor placings from 14 starts.
Although Crawford is confident his greyhound can win on his first start from box seven, he is anticipating a tough battle.
“Leeroy Roller is the fastest greyhound in the race, but not necessarily the best boxed,” he said.
“I see three leaders in the race – the one (Nobu), the five (Absolute Gunn) and the eight (Pantera Nera). If mine can be third going through the catching pen, I will be happy. He can then use his strength to power home.
“He blew me away with his run last week, although I expected him to improve on his trial times. I think something around 29.8 will win this race which he is capable of from this box, but it will be tough.”
After being hampered early in his career, Leeroy Roller has won seven of his last eight starts.
He has been in the care of Wollondilly trainer Ray Webster in preparation for the series and also trialled well at Dapto.
Crawford has travelled down for tonight’s race from his south-east Queensland base - and received a good reception from his greyhound.
“He was glad to see me,” Crawford said. ‘His nickname is ‘Cuddles’ and he has certainly lived up to that.
“Ray’s done a brilliant job with him. He’s looking great and ready to go.”
The second semi-final looks a likely battle between Luke Azzopardi’s in-form Skate Thin Ice (box two) and Christine Oldfield’s Soft Shiraz in box eight.
Skate Thin Ice has won her last two starts and from this draw could edge another triumph.
Espanyol (box two) looked one of the series standouts and underlined his chances with a strong 29.93 win in last week’s heats.
The son of Magic Sprite and Hidden Assets has now scored six wins and four minor placings from 13 starts and looks the top pick in the third semi-final.
Gun trainer Anthony Azzopardi should score another win with Il Bacaro (box three) in the fourth semi-final.
Il Bacaro ran 29.88 last week and from close to the rail looks hard to stop.
Dokmai (box eight) has won her last four and looks good to also progress from this semi-final.
The Dapto Puppy Auction Classic is open to all greyhounds sold at the annual Dapto Puppy Auction.
The top two from each semi-final tonight will qualify for next Thursday’s Group 2 Dapto Puppy Auction Classic decider.
For Dapto Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
