CATCH THE THIEF LOOKING TO STEAL WINTER CUP
Star Victorian speedster Catch The Thief is aiming up at his second WA Feature series when he contests a heat of the Fuller Fitness Winter Cup at Cannington this evening.
The son of Aussie Infrared and Dundee Ally produced a dazzling performance when last seen a fortnight ago in the Group 2 Brittons Formalwear WA Derby when he ran 29.32, the second fastest ever time recorded over the 520 metre circuit at Cannington.
Victorian Trainer Matthew Clark sent the greyhound across to long term friend Steve Shinners and his partner Krystal for his hit and run raid to WA and so far it has proven a sage manoeuvre.
Catch The Thief has come up with box two for tonight’s heat a draw which Steve Shinners believes while not ideal should not pose a major threat.
“There is a bit of pace drawn in the middle but he has enough pace to burn them off if he gets clear room.” Shinners said.
“In his heat of the Derby he drew inside and was cluttered up but he roared through to get in to the right spot so hopefully tonight he just gets room to wind up.” Shinners added.
“Everything has gone to plan in the lead up to tonight. I gave him a handslip at Mandurah last week and was delighted with his work.” Shinners suggested.
If he qualifies through Catch The Thief will stay in WA for next week’s final before aiming up at a couple of the upcoming features on the east coast.
“If all goes to plan he will head home after the Winter Cup and he will have a tilt at the Peter Mosman at Wentworth Park and Maturity at the Meadows.” Shinners said.
“It will be sad to have to say goodbye to him when he leaves to be honest – he is a lovely dog and has settled in to our kennels incredibly well.”
Shinners will also have Buster The Brut competing in the Winter Cup heats and he has drawn box one in Catch The Thief’s heat.
“Buster ran third behind Catch The Thief in his Derby heat and then second in the final so I am hoping he can again finish on the podium with him tonight.” Shinners commented.
“It is a shame that they have drawn the same heat but that’s how it rolls sometimes and Buster will be giving it everything he has got.” Shinners concluded.
David Shortte