Kerryn O'Sullivan has hit the ground running with her first starter as a greyhound trainer in Australia winning first-up at Dapto on Thursday night.
Amani, owned and trained by the 20-year-old former NEW ZEALANDer, scored an impressive win and keen judges who watched him predicting a bright future for the royally-bred dog.
The son of Super Celestrial, who clocked a slick 30.09 at Dapto, was bred and reared by Timmy Caines, who won the 2008 Ladies Bracelet with Miss Beeslee.
Caines formerly worked for Appin trainer Mary Wright and his bitch Super Celestrial is a daughter of Edie Beauchamp, who landed the 2006 Golden Easter Egg for Wright in race record figures.
"I have always wanted to train greyhounds and have had a thorough grounding in the sport for the past six years in NEW ZEALAND, including nearly three years with leading trainer Dave Fahey,'' O'Sullivan said.
"I only arrived in Australia three months back and hope to make a career out of the sport in this country.''
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Trainer Jason Magri was naturally disappointed when Wicked Warrior pulled a ligament in a hock after winning the Group 3 Ladbrokes Maiden final at Wentworth Park on March 26 but now believes the setback may prove "a blessing in disguise.''
After being beaten at his first two outings, Wicked Warrior has since won five races in succession, the latest in a slick 26.45 over 472m at Bulli on Saturday night.
The dog had resumed after his injury spell with a sizzling 26.22 Bulli win while he has posted top grade figures of 29.96 in maiden class at Wentworth Park.
"I think the six weeks off Wicked Warrior had to have after his injury have seen him come back as a better and more mature greyhound,'' Magri said.
"Wicked Warrior is on the way up but at this stage I still rate Bad Boy Sniper as the best I have trained.''
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The Harry Markou-bred and owned He's Some Love won four of seven starts at Wentworth Park before being transferred to Melbourne trainer Kel Greenough but Markou has found a worthy replacement for his Peter Mosman Classic semi-finalist.
Tough Love, a member of the first litter whelped by Markou's former brilliant speedster Future Love, was impressive winning over 472m at Bulli on Saturday night in a tidy 26.51.
"He's Some Love finished third in a heat of the Maturity Classic at The Meadows on Saturday night and Tough Love is going well so I could not be happier,'' Markou said.
"In terms of sheer speed Tough Love is quicker than He's Some Love but whether he will turn out to be as good a race dog remains to be seen.
"Because while Tough Love is faster he is a bit of a 'fruit loop' at this stage and is inclined to be over the top.
"But that could change as he gets older and if it does he could become a top notcher.''
