"He is really starting to learn his trade'' is how owner-trainer-breeder Bob McColm has summed up Mr. Shire after his greyhound broke his second track record at Unibet Gardens on Friday.
Mr. Shire rocketed over the 600m in 34.21 at last Friday's meeting, slicing .07 off his own course record set in May.
The son of Magic Sprite and Slick Exit began surprisingly well from his wide draw and after being second in the middle stages zoomed to the lead leaving the back straight for a hollow win.
The run extended Mr. Shire's record to nine wins and seven minor placings from 17 starts and underlined his status as one of the hottest properties in NSW greyhound racing.
"I believe Mr. Shire is getting better all the time as he gains more experience," McColm said. "He is really learning his trade now.
"Early in his career he went close to the track records at Gosford and Maitland and broke the 600m time standard at the Gardens and now he has reduced those figures further.
"Back then he didn't stride out like he does now, he went like a machine on Friday.
"I don't intend to race him every week because Mr Shire really puts in, he tries so hard he needs a little time to recover after a hard run.
"Instead of heading back to the Gardens I will probably aim for a 600m race at Gosford because I want to use up Mr. Shire's grades and in a couple of months I will try him over 720 metres.
"Everyone keeps telling me he will stay but as I keep telling people, while I think he will get 720m, I've seen dogs previously who run a strong 650m but get very tired over 700m plus.''
Meanwhile, Mister Twister also confirmed his status as a pup to watch with victory in the Awesome Project Super Maiden Final (515m) at Newcastle's Unibet Gardens.
Mister Twister overcame a hot field of newcomers including runner-up Melan to claim the $10,000-to-the-winner title with a steady 30.02 run.
Melan was three-quarters of a length behind in third, with the Alan Pringle-trained Roger's In Town producing a valiant run to finish third.
The latest star from the gun Jason Mackay kennel, Mister Twister is a son of Collision and 2013 NSW Greyhound Of The Year Double Twist, who enjoyed a wonderful career for NSW South Coast trainer Garry Edwards.
Mister Twister had previously won his heat with a similarly smart 30.03 win.
