Litter Britton does premier trainer proud
Trainer Linda Britton heads into next Saturday's $210,000 Sky Racing Perth Cup (530m) with a record-equalling four starters.
Britton, who won her 15th premiership and broke her own record with 395 wins last year, last had four runners in the 1999 Perth Cup.
Saturday's result could be an omen for Britton as the 1999 cup, won by Bliss Bale, was the last time she won the coveted event.
Her only other win was with Wynlee Supreme in 1992.
What was amazing about Britton's four heat winners was three of them - Saving Bundles, High Recall and Star Recall - are by High Earner, who is the only dog to win the cup twice (2010-11).
High Earner was trained and owned by Dave and Christine Robartson, who were living in Queensland at the time.
The Robartsons moved back to WA last year. Christine is the owner of Saving Bundles.
High Recall and Star Recall, from No Recall, are litter sisters. Kevin Dover, who owns Star Recall, bred the litter.
Britton's star Zelemar Fever showed great courage from her wide draw (7) to claim kennel-mate Te Amo in the closing sections to win in 30.30sec., the fastest time of the eight cup heats.
"We bought four out of the litter," Britton said.
"They weren't expensive pups, under $3000.
"Their dam raced here in Perth and I liked their breeding.
"We now have two very good ones and another which is not far behind, and the other one we are still working on.
"It has been a long haul bringing Saving Bundles back from injury but she has bounced back on the right note."
Arch rival Sveta Monelli closed the night on a high for WA, winning the final heat, which was a roughhouse affair, in 30.71.
Trainer Dave Hobby expects sharp improvement on her heat win as the bitch does not settle well in the kennels on race night.
"At home she is quiet but when she gets into the kennels she barks and carries on," Hobby said.
"We haven't been in a late race for a long time. It is always hard to get across from the six and there was interference early, which she had to get around.
"She is a 30.20-30 dog, but there is a lot of speed in the final."
Defending champion Dyna Nalin missed qualifying for a cup start when he was checked on the home corner, but trainer Paul Stuart has Hillbilly Flash in the cup after qualifying with his seven-length win in 30.36.
At a dinner at Mandurah Raceway last night, Dyna Nalin was crowned the 2013 WA Greyhound of the Year for his three Group 1 wins in the Perth Cup, Top Gun and Sale Cup.
The Brendan Wheeler-owned dog won 20 times and was placed on 11 occasions from 36 starts.
Stuart also prepared Greyhound of the Year winners Miata (2012) and Pedrosa (2010).
