Sutton Steele has been untouchable in his first two career starts and looks like the one to beat again in tonight’s Les Thompson Memorial Maiden Final (520m) at Nowra.
The John Thorpe-trained greyhound was most impressive in his victory during last week’s semi-final on a rain soaked track, running a solid time of 30.38.
The run surprised Thorpe, who had doubts before the race when he saw the weather forecast.
“He’s a very temperamental dog who hates water. With all the rain and the wet track last week, I was worried he may not have wanted to go around,” Thorpe said.
“I didn’t have to worry in the end because he came out and ran a solid time.”
After drawing box five last week, Sutton Steele makes the move to the more favourable box two tonight.
“He comes and out and goes straight left, so box two is an ideal draw and should help him a lot,” Thorpe believes.
The Neil Staines-trained Sweet Honey Zarr was the fastest qualifier from last week’s semi-finals in 30.29 and looks to be the main danger in the final.
She jumps from box six and Thorpe is wary of what she might produce.
“Sweet Honey Zarr has improved a lot in the past two weeks and if she can begin well, she could be right up there,” Thorpe said.
Thorpe who is based in the small town of Sutton, has nothing but praise for Sutton Steele and has high hopes for the future.
“He’s inexperienced and a big puppy sometimes, but he’s definitely surpassed our expectations,” he said.
“The dog was bought through the Richmond Puppy Auction so we’re preparing him for the big series coming up in a few months.
“It’s exciting to think he could be competitive if he continues this form.
“I’ll probably keep him around the local tracks for a little while before I take him up to Richmond for some experience.”
Thorpe, a full-time plumber and hobby trainer, trains in conjunction with his son Justin who he credits with much of his success.
“Justin and I share the responsibility of the dogs and I couldn’t do it without him.
“He’s also a plumber and has four kids that keep him busy but he’s a big help with the dogs.”
In other action tonight at Nowra, Silent Crash trained by George Micallef looks like one of the stand-out runners on the card in race six, Moto Parts On The Move Stakes (365m).
The greyhound has 10 wins at the track and a near-record best time of 20.26.
Like A Zircon returns to Nowra after a string of Wentworth Park appearances and should be suited by a drop in class in race eight - the Bechini & Associates Trophy Stakes.
A favourable wide draw in box six should see the improvement of Kim Zarr Dashian in the Tornado Kennel Wash Stakes (race three).
The young greyhound surged home to score an impressive debut win at the track last week by 4 ¼ lengths in a solid time of 30.38.
For all the fields, form and expert analysis for today’s Nowra meeting, click here.
