Raw Ability, is just that!


Anthony Azzopardi is confident young star Raw Ability is well prepared ahead of tomorrow night’s Launching Pad heats.

Co-trained by Azzopardi’s partner Kylee Osborne, the exciting youngster has been set for the series and comes into Thursday night in peak order despite not having raced for six weeks – with six wins to his name, another win would have made him ineligible for the 1-6 wins series.

“His lead up and workload has been treated as if he was racing. He’s been trialing not only by himself but in half fields to keep him race fit and used to competing against other dogs. I couldn’t be happier with the way he’s going at the moment, he’s flying – he’s had a few trials at Sandown and flew every time. We’re pretty excited,” said Azzopardi.

From early January until last Friday registered trainers, owners and racing bodies had the opportunity to purchase a $2000 ticket that secured them a spot in the $400,000 series. Azzopardi is a big supporter of the concept, saying that the Launching Pad series would help young dogs take the next step in their racing career without being thrown into the deep end against hardened metropolitan class greyhounds.

“I think it’s a fantastic series. The restricted win aspect of the series is the best part about it. You can have a promising young pup coming through the ranks get the opportunity to race against dogs of similar experience for big prize money. There’s a lot of quality young dogs – it’s going to be a good show that’s for sure.”

Raw Ability is engaged in the fifth heat of the Launching Pad and meets Western Australian star and Cannington track record holder, Quick Jagger.

“He just has to begin like he can. I have no doubt with a clear run he can run 29.30.”

Raw Ability burst onto the scene late last year with four wins from as many starts and was a hot topic amongst greyhound racing circles. Azzopardi was cautious of Raw Ability’s racing schedule, not wanting to hinder confidence so early on in his career. Following the Launching Pad series Raw Ability will take the next step and be tested against the best.

“Now is time to raise the bar and put him up against the best, soon we’re going to find out how good he really is.”

Raw Ability is part of a three pronged assault on the Launching Pad by the Azzopardi kennel with Master Riot (heat 7) and Crash Cobra (heat 8) are also engaged.

The place getters in each heat and five fastest fourths will progress to the following week’s semi finals, with the next best 32 progressing to the consolation series. The first two past the post will advance to the $210,000 final on the club’s East Kids Fun Night on Thursday 13 April.

Yesterday I joined Nadia Horne on RSN927’s Winners with the latest greyhound racing news, listen here. This morning Mick Floyd joined Michael Felgate on RSN927’s Racing Ahead, listen here.

Click here for tomorrow night’s form guide

PICTURE: Anthony Azzopardi with the now retired Zambora Brockie

Raw Ability (5) wins by 14L on debut

Jason Adams
About Jason Adams - Racing Operations Coordinator at Sandown Park. Over 8 years involvement in greyhound racing and one of the sport's biggest and most passionate fans.
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