Lee Burke looks to have an eye for a bargain if Flying Mikayla's progress is anything to go by.
The 31-year-old was the sole bidder for a pup at the 2014 Dapto Puppy Auction which now races as Flying Mikayla and his $500 "bank'' was enough to secure her.
Flying Mikayla, who is a Wentworth Park winner and has won nine of 20 starts, will contest this Thursday's semi-finals of the Dapto Puppy Auction Classic in a bid to win a spot in the $75,000-to-the-winner final on December 1.
"I go to the puppy auction each year and try and buy a pup or two but was nearly broke in 2014 so didn't think I would be able to afford one,'' Burke, who trains two greyhounds at suburban Lurnea, near Liverpool said.
"My father Barry had greyhounds and trained for the late Bruce Wheeler, the uncle of leading owner-breeder Paul Wheeler.
"Dad's best greyhound was Royal Monaro, a sister to Kim's Monaro, the 1974 Australian Cup winner, and he has has taught me everything I know about greyhounds.
"My father is the brains behind the success of Flying Mikayla.''
Lee Burke's bargain buy greyhound led throughout to win her Classic heat last Thursday night in a slick 30.02, and her speed from the starting boxes is tipped to play a big part in her future Dapto assignments.
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Former gun NSW trainer Anthony Azzopardi returned to his home state in style last Thursday night.
Azzopardi scored a victory in a heat of the Group 3 Dapto Puppy Auction Classic with the Sydney-owned Topper Teretto in 29.64,
Topper Terreto's clocked the fastest time of the heats and looks one to watch in this Thursday's semi-finals.
"Topper Teretto is no world beater but he is a tenacious chaser," Azzopardi said. 'Even if he doesn't lead, as he did on Thursday, he is always in with a chance because he keeps trying."
Another NSW-owned greyhound, Benteke, now with Victorian trainer Brett Bravo, posted second fastest heat time of 29.75 and looks the one to beat in the semi-finals.
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Meanwhile, Azzopardi's namesake and fellow trainer Luke - no relation - also scored an impressive win in the heats with Go Good Riddance in 29.84.
Go Good Riddance is one of the most experienced runners in the series, having scored four wins from 21 appearances.
"She is not strong at the finish but she has good early pace," Azzoaprdi said. "When she began like a bullet on Thursday it did not surprise me.
"Go Good Riddance can go even better from box eight as that's her pet draw.''
Go Good Riddance recorded an almost unbelievable first split in her heat win, stopping the clock at 5.25.
Fields and form for this Thursday's semi-finals will be available here.
