Dynamic Da Don cuts a dash again

DA DON, trained by Monmore-based Mark Russell, proved the star of the show again at Nottingham on Monday night as he landed the feature 305m sprint final in a flying 17.48sec (+10).

Hailing from an exciting November 23 Droopys Sydney-Queen Lilly litter which includes Friday’s Coral Silver Maiden winner Zenith Kindy, Da Don was sent off 6-5 second favourite in a rematch with Kevin Boon’s top-class Bockos Buster, who was 8-13 favourite.

The pair had traded recent victories, but it was Russell’s dog who took charge again this time round as he surged past early leader Jimmys Chew on the run to the bend and then held off the challenge of Boon’s multiple big-race finalist to prevail by three-parts of a length.

Russell, who enjoyed two-bend success alongside his late father Bill with crack sprinter Magical Bluebear last year, said: “I’m never one to worry about times but more about the dogs you’re beating and Kevin’s dog is a fantastic greyhound so we’re delighted with the win.

“I’ve had a chance to watch the race back now and we’re still in front at the pick-up so that’s encouraging if and when we decide to step him back up to four bends.

“I always think it’s better not to switch them about too much when they’re running well and looking ahead I’m looking at tracks like Towcester and also Central Park for the Silver Salver later on.”

Da Don is owned by Monmore-based syndicate The Shrewd Six, headed by Kevin Faulkner, and several made the trip to Nottingham.

Russell added: “The owners rightly enjoyed the win and we did have a quick drink afterwards to celebrate. We saw his brother win the Romford final the other night, and that does make you think about the Golden Sprint [400m] which is coming up there in March, but I’ll have to talk it through with the lads who own him as well as my kennel team.

“I’m mindful that the owners are Monmore-based, so when we can we’ll try and find a race for him at our track as well.

“It’s a nice problem to have and he’s a lovely dog for the kennel – he’s really fresh and could run again today if you let him. It’s nice when one slips through the net at the sales and we’re so glad we got him.”

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