Dubbo Greyhound clubs

publicly officer Brain Baker said the Lesley Ann Memorial is a race that a lot of trainers target each year.

“The Leonard family have held it every year in honour of their daughter who was tragically killed in a vehicle accident 22 years ago,” he said.

“It is a real time-honoured event and is now one of those special races.

“The heats were really great there was some fantastic performances.”

Cowra trainer Paul Braddon has two starters in the race and his red fawn dog Cool Rattler, who finished just outside the race record in a heat time of 22.78 seconds is likely to start as favourite.

“Cool Rattler took out heat three in a time of 22.78, that’s just three one hundredths of a second outside the race record which is 22.75 held by Speedy Heather in 2009,” Baker said.

“It was the dog’s first run at the track and to run in that time is first rate.

“If he gets a clean get away and a good box start he could certainly shake the record.

“Really Riley is Braddon’s second runner, he finished first in heat four in 23.08 and would have to be second pick.”

“Wesley McDonald’s Rustic Shiraz took out heat two in 23.16 and he’d be third pick, depending on what box he draws.

Heat one winner Musical Journey trained by Wellington’s Ron Steel is also in with a chance coming in at 23.40 and Baker is also second expecting the second-placed Little Bit Fancy, trained

by Ann Barnes of Cudal, to improve.

While the race program has not yet been drawn up, Baker said the final is most likely to feature around the middle of Thursday’s meeting.

Les Leonard will be present to hand over the winner’s trophy.

o o o

Lesley Ann Leonard Memorial Final: (Not in box order)

Cool Rattler, Rustic Shiraz, Musical Journey, Really Riley, Minny Giggles, Lady Elora, Little bit Fancy, Byrons Boy.

Reserves: Stringy Bark Lad, Ben’s Bank.