Panel Beater will not be rushed into his middle distance campaign despite a near record 600m debut win at Dapto last Thursday.
The Garry Edwards-trained greyhound led throughout to score by just on a dozen lengths, stopping the clock at 34.37.
That compared well with Fantastic Tail's track record time of 34.09 and those figures, coupled with Panel Beater's powerful run home time of 12.75, has given Edwards confidence the greyhound will make a stayer.
“There has never been any doubt Panel Beater has a big motor but unfortunately he doesn't possess the early speed needed to be a top grade sprinter,” Edwards said.
“But Thursday's win was encouraging because the only gallop Panel Beater had in the preceding eight days was a 350m trial up the straight.
“While he had never been tested previously over 600m he actually pulled up in better shape and more relaxed than he has after some of his 520m races.
“I will give him 10 days to a fortnight off now and probably head for Richmond for a trial and then a 618m race there. A few years back I trained a good greyhound called Miss Pinup and after she showed outstanding promise as a stayer I was offered $40,000 for her.
“But after she won a couple of long-distance races in smart time she burned herself out through having a couple of hard runs close together. I won't be making that mistake with Panel Beater.”
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Hunter Valley trainer Margaret Bright's keen eye for a promising greyhound has resulted in her training White Simba, who scored his third 400m win in five starts at Maitland last week.
White Simba showed brilliant pace to lead throughout in a slick 22.41, and will now be tested over 450m at Maitland again this Thursday.
“I'm not sure if he will get 500 metres but should have a better idea after he tackles 450m this week,” Bright said.
“He has won two of his three starts since resuming (from a six month spell) so I'm very excited.
“I bought White Simba when he was six months of age because I reared him and his brothers and sisters for their breeder and really liked the way he moved in the paddock.”
