Garry Edwards’s reaction when he saw Panel Beater’s box draw in tonight’s Group 3 Ladbrokes Nowra Summer Puppy Classic (520m) was not pretty, but he still think his greyhound can score the $25,000 top prize.
Panel Beater will aim to emulate his mother and 2013 NSW Greyhound of the Year Double Twist (pictured) with victory in tonight’s feature event, which is one of the biggest races of the year at the South Coast track.
Panel Beater was an impressive winner in last week’s heats, but Edwards admitted he was crestfallen when his greyhound drew box seven for the decider.
“I thought, ‘yuck’,” the Nowra Hill trainer said.
“This draw is far from ideal as he needs to be drawn inside – anywhere from (boxes) one to four would have been better. Having said that, I think he’s the fastest greyhound in the race at his best and he’s still capable of running a strong time.
“It’s just the first two sections I am worried about (but) I still think he’s in the race.”
Panel Beater may not yet have hit the heights of his mother, whose brilliant career included winning this title in 2013 for Edwards, but he is a talented greyhound in his own right.
His solid 30.04 victory from box one in last week’s heats was his third victory at Nowra, although that triumph in the heats was only his second win in 11 starts.
“I’ve been banging my head against a brick wall with him these last few starts,” Edwards said.
“It felt like years since he last put it altogether. I’m hoping he’s back to his best now and he’s looking good.
“I think the last time (we won in 2013) we opened the bar and had a big spread on for everyone the following week. It would be nice to see that again.”
Wollondilly trainer Donna Campbell rugs up three contenders in the final, with speedy Big Black (box eight) looking her best chance.
Big Black was the fastest qualifier with his 29.92 run last week and has plenty of ability, having won six of his 12 starts so far.
Kennelmate Tiempo Dinero (box three) clocked a strong 30.10 win in last week’s heats and also looks a strong contender.
Tiny Terror (box one) is a speedy youngster but seems better suited to shorter distances, while Heza Gangster (box five) has placed in his last two starts on his local track and looks a decent value chance.
Mount Thomas (box two), Like Zeus (box four) and La Chica Pequena in box six complete the field.
The final is race six on the card at the Shoalhaven club, with action under way at 5.14pm.
For Nowra Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
