Western Guru can continue his impressive return to racing with victory in Saturday night's Community Newspaper Group Cannington Trophy heat (race four, 520m).
The litter brother to NSW star greyhound Barking Bad will jump from box six aiming to further improve his record of five wins and 12 minor placings from 28 starts.
Western Guru has scored two wins and two minor placings in four starts at Cannington since returning from almost six months on the sidelines.
He was laid low by a mystery illness and almost died so trainer Luke Garbutt, who scored a win at Cannington on Thursday night with Western Guru’s kennelmate Stand As One, is delighted to see his greyhound back racing well.
“He was on a drip and thought we were going to lose him,” Garbutt said.
“It was tough for a while there. We had to be patient with him while he recovered, but it’s great to see him back doing what he loves.
“This is probably one of the easier heats on paper. Starlight Asha in box three looks the one to beat but she’s coming back from a break so may not be 100 per cent.
“Western Guru hasn’t got that early speed which can be his undoing against city class greyhounds, but if he can slot in behind them during the early stages he can then finish strongly.
“I’m certainly confident he can run a placing at least and be competitive.”
Western Guru is one of a handful of greyhounds in work for Garbutt, who combines training with running an electrical contracting company.
“I’ve been off work for a few months after back surgery,” he said.
“It’s not been a great time but I’ve had more time to spend with my greyhounds and that’s made the difference.
“I’ve been able to look at every greyhound individually and see their quirks and what suits them best.
“If you’re not a trainer, I don’t think you realise how demanding a sport it is and what it takes to get results.
“Western Guru was a giveaway for me but I saw his breeding and knew he had ability. He’s a lovely greyhound to work with and very competitive on his day.”
In other Cannington action on Saturday night, recent Group 1 Sky Racing Perth Cup winner Equanimity (box six) can return to winning ways with a victory in the 5th grade Saturday Box 1 Buffet Cannington Trophy heat (520m, race one).
The Enzo Crudeli-trained greyhound finished fifth at Mandurah two weeks ago but before that had been in super form, winning five successive starts.
Equanimity clocked 30.36 while winning from this box over this trip in January and a repeat would see him go close again.
Classy performer Times Square (box seven) looks well positioned to score another victory in the 4/5th grade Fast Fun Affordable Stakes (race 10, 600m).
The CHRIS Halse-trained greyhound has won her two previous runs over the 600m and is a strong wide runner.
Dandalup Brutus (box three) clocked a track record 21.48 for the 380m at Cannington last month and can return to that distance in style by saluting in the 5th grade Racing Monday Wednesday Saturday Stakes (race 12).
The hot newcomer finished second over the 520m at Cannington last start but has won two of his three starts over the 380m and looks the clear standout in this race.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
