Slender Jappa has been in career best form recently and looks set to dominate the 4/5th Grade Cetnaj Electrical Stakes (race five, 407m) at tonight's meeting at Grafton.
Out of Slender Jappa’s five career wins to date, three have come in the past six weeks for the Sonia Kempshall-trained greyhound. This includes an impressive 17.37 win over the 305m at Grafton before a tough second placing over the 407m last Monday night.
Sonia's husband Warren admits he's not entirely sure what has sparked the greyhound’s recent turn of form.
"We certainly haven't made any drastic changes to his routine or training," Kempshall said.
"He was a young dog trying to find his feet for a while and I think with experience he's learnt a lot and just managed to work his job out."
According to Kempshall, both he and his wife Sonia have always had a high regard for Slender Jappa.
"You just have to look at his record to see he's an ultra consistent dog," he says.
"He is a strong dog, good out of the boxes and always gives 100%.
"There's not a lot of times when Sonia and I don't think he's a chance. He very rarely doesn't put himself into a race."
Importantly, Kempshall is confident of Slender Jappa's chances tonight at Grafton.
"There are a few good dogs in his race but there are also a couple out of form too so I don't think it should be too difficult for him," says Kempshall.
"He's got box three which he has a good record from so I'm expecting him to be right in it."
One of Slender Jappa's main rivals tonight is the handy Kulu Roo (box six) who makes her Grafton debut. She has a handy strike rate at other tracks in the Northern Rivers and Queensland and is fresh up from a break.
Also amongst the field is the Mitch Northfield-trained Pretty Socks (box two), who has hit a rough patch of form recently after a flying start to her career late last year.
Despite Pretty Sock's recent form, Kempshall believes it could be dangerous to discount her ability.
"Mitch's dogs are going great at the moment and she has had a couple of handy wins at the track in the past so you have to respect her."
Apart from Slender Jappa, the Kempshall's also have five other runners engaged in tonight's meeting including three in the Clocktower Hotel Sprint Series Final (race seven, 480m).
While Cheeky Maxi (box five) and Meer Jappa (box six) both have claims in the final, Kempshall rates It's For Sure (box seven) as the one to beat.
"The other two probably have more ability but I think he will get some space to move early on. There's a lot of speed around him and I'll think they'll get out and leave him alone which will mean he can get in a good position to come home hard," he said.
"He's probably going to be starting at some very good value too, so hoepfully he can get the win."
The first race at Grafton jumps at 7:17pm AEST tonight.
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