By Jason Adams
David Crawford is on the verge of a period of real success after the promising ‘He Shall Blitz’ took out the Maiden final at the Sandown Park greyhounds on Friday night.
He Shall Blitz began cleanly and soon settled on the tail of early leader Wise Thunder. He took control in the home straight and highlighted his strength to win by two-and-a-half lengths.
“Obviously Jamie’s (Ennis-trained Koko Kardash) was the fastest in the race, but I did give him a chance even though he can be a bit tardy early,” Crawford said.
Crawford’s run throughout April has been particularly hot so far. His team has had 17 starts and finished out of the placings in just four of those.
It looks to be a strike rate that may remain consistent for 2020. He Shall Blitz is one of three from his litter who have made a start to their racing careers, and so far they’ve combined for 35 starts with nine wins and 12 placings.
“They’ve always been able to run time on their own, especially that one (Blitz). I’m hoping they’ll eventually race over 600 or even 700 metres. Their mother (Shall She Rock) was a good stayer and their sire (Dundee Osprey) could stay too.”
He said having raced the mother and seen the litter grow, it does make success more satisfying.
“I had them in my hand when they were pups, it is pretty special,” Crawford explained.
“I don’t have as many (greyhounds) as I used to, I only intend on breeding one litter a year. My wife wants to go travelling but I like being with the dogs. I’ve had a crook leg for a while and they keep me moving.”
