Ultra-consistent Squizzy Buzzard looks well positioned to score yet another terrific victory for trainer and former top golfer Ben Sweetman at Maitland">Maitland today.
The son of Spring Gun and Rose Buzzard, who has not missed a podium finish in his last 14 starts, jumps from box one in a high-quality 5th grade Mother’s Day Necklace Final (race eight, 400m).
Squizzy Buzzard extended his record to seven wins and 11 minor placings from 24 starts with a smart 22.66 victory in last week’s heats.
He faces some tough opposition in a competitive final but has a super record over this distance and his mentor believes his greyhound is a strong contender today.
“I think he’s capable of running a faster time,” Sweetman said. “Last week he pulled up slightly towards the finish, but now he’s ready to go.
“I’ve tried to do the right thing by him as we’ve gone along and he always puts his best effort in for me.
“I’m hoping box one this week will help him jump even better. He’s probably better drawn out wide as he uses a bit of the track, but he’s a big greyhound so he won’t be bullied out of the way.
“It’s a good race (but) if he jumps well, they could struggle to catch him.”
Five of Squizzy Buzzard’s career victories have come over the 400m and he has won once and placed once in his two previous starts from box one.
Sweetman, based at Bellbird in the NSW Hunter Valley, competed for state titles as a golfer.
Having previously owned greyhounds, he started training about three years ago and is currently enjoying a strong run of success.
“I played golf virtually non-stop from 12 until I was 18,” the 27-year-old said.
“I had good moments in golf, but it’s very satisfying to win a race, especially with a greyhound that you have reared and watched grow.
“I have a great support team as well and they help make it worthwhile as well.
“I’ve had 11 wins from 35 starts over the last few months, so I’m having a decent run. Training greyhounds is what I want to do going forward, so hopefully we’ll have a few more wins to cheer.”
In other Maitland">Maitland Thursday action, Flying Point (box four) can return to winning ways with victory in race four over the 565m.
The Geoff Sattler-trained greyhound won three consecutive races prior to an unsuccessful run at Wentworth Park last week and is well suited to this distance.
Valaskan Gold (box one) looks a strong chance to score a third successive victory with victory in race nine over the 400m.
The Joseph McFadyen-trained greyhound has won twice in easier company at Tamworth recently and placed twice at Maitland">Maitland in similar company in March.
Super Senor (box seven) has shown plenty of talent in the past and looks the top pick in the 10th race over the 400m.
The lightly-raced greyhound has won nine of his 19 starts so far, including some dazzling runs at NSW country tracks and has a terrific record from wide draws.
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