Kichiro, who was virtually retired earlier in the year, could continue his remarkable comeback with victory at Dapto tonight.
The Leon Bozovitch-trained greyhound jumps from box five in race five (600m) looking to score a fourth straight win.
Kichiro was “semi-retired” by Bozovitch, who has himself endured cancer and heart bypass surgery in recent years, at the start of the year and was set for a life of leisure at his mentor’s Miranda base.
Earlier this year Bozovitch took Kichiro to a Wentworth Park trial to help assist with the racing education of a young greyhound. The trial convinced Bozovitch to take Kichiro out of retirement and the duo have not looked back since.
“I can’t explain his improvement – I haven’t done anything different with him,” Bozovitch said.
“I had semi-retired him, but he trialled super at Wentworth Park (and) since then he has run really well.
“I used to have semi-regular Wentworth Park winners a few years ago, but because of my health problems I wasn’t able to concentrate on greyhounds. I’ve felt better these last few months and maybe that’s helped too.
“Kichiro lives inside our property and has the run of the place. He’s just a happy dog who enjoys racing and life generally. I’m so pleased with him.”
Kichiro scored consecutive victories over the 618m at Richmond earlier this month before defeating a quality field over the 590m at Bulli last week.
He also clocked a smart 34.71 while placing over the 600m on his last visit to Dapto on May 18.
Kichiro faces some tough opposition in this race including Good Odds Bricky in box one, but Bozovitch is hopeful of another good showing.
“Full Of Rust (in box seven) is dangerous if he jumps,” Bozovitch said.
“It’s a strong field (but) I’m very confident Kichiro will place at least. With no interference he could run faster than 34.71, which would certainly make him competitive.
“He’s very fit, racing well and has a good chance.”
In other Dapto action tonight, leading trainer Mark Gatt can score wins in race four with Special Road and Sherbini in race seven.
Special Road placed at Dapto last week and looks capable of defeating this field.
Talented newcomer Sherbini looks a real middle distance talent and has won two of her three starts so far, clocking smart times over the 535m at Richmond.
Good Odds Angel, meanwhile, can score the latest victory of her impressive career in race six.
The Frank Hurst-trained greyhound has won 23 starts and is in strong form, with three wins in her last four starts.
She clocked a speedy 29.89 on her last visit to Dapto over this trip and has won six of her 10 previous starts from box eight.
For Dapto Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
