News & Media

19 February 2009 Puppy Classic Final

The youngsters take centre stage at Cannington this Saturday night with the Puppy Classic final (530m).

The box draw has opened the race up with the some of the big threats; Benno, Disturbia and Heart of Buderus all starting from wide alleys.

Natural Sapphire is no slouch either and comes right into contention from box 2.     

The Jamie Marsh-prepared greyhound has the early speed to take full advantage of her draw and will need to according to her trainer.

“I think she can lead from that box so its just a case of whether she can get enough of a break and avoid any early trouble,” he said.

“530m is really her limit, I think in last ten metres or so she starts to struggle a bit so I’m praying she can get away at the start.”

Natural Sapphire is yet to finish out of the money in any of her nine starts, a record that includes five wins, the latest of which was her run of 30.50 to claim last weekend’s heat.

Speaking of great records WA bred Benno has been nothing short of sensational in his career to date with six wins and three seconds from nine starts.

Benno will jump from box 7 in this race but clocked a personal best time of 30.23 when winning from that alley in his heat.

Heart Of Buderus has only had one run in WA but looks a likely type for trainer John Iwanyk while Disturbia is very talented but won’t enjoy wearing pink.

Iwanyk’s other runner in the event, Usquebaugh, was the third heat winner in 30.42 and is an eachway hope.