Neo Cleo destructs in mid-distance debut

Rob Neocleous says Neo Cleo may become the best greyhound he has ever had as she announced herself on the big stage last night at Sandown Park.

Neo Cleo debuted over the 595m following some strong yet luckless performances over 515m. Her race was a one act affair as she led from go-to-whoa to win by 9½ lengths in a very sharp time of 34.09.

“She’s been missing the kick recently, I did a bit of work with her during the week and as a result she came out humming. Once she was two lengths infront I thought ‘just keep on going girl’ and the further they went the further she got away from them. It was very pleasing.” said Neocleous.

Neo Cleo hails from a litter of five bred, owned and trained by Neocleous and his wife Wendy. All five have shown ability but the standout has been Neo Cleo, who Neocleous believes may become the best greyhound he has ever had.

“When I was breaking her in, the first ever look she had at Warragul she went 22.40 over 400m. It was then I knew she had a lot of ability.

“I’ve had a lot of good dogs over my 40 years of training. I made the statement after I broke her in, I said to my wife ‘I think she might be the best we’ve ever had’.”

Going forward Neocleous has plans to step up Neo Cleo to the staying ranks, though admits there is no rush as she’s set to turn 2-years-old next month.

“I’ll get her used to the middle distance and when the time is right step her up to 700m. I’m pretty confident she’ll run it out.

“Her run home times have always been really strong. Given she’s just 23 months old I held back from stepping her up and was waiting for the right time to do it.”

Later in the night Dr. Mino took out the group 2 Laurels final. Her win was the first ever group race success for the McMahon kennel. Click here for the full story

Click here for full results from last night’s race meeting