Young Lara trainer, Brooke Ennis, will have a big hand in tonight’s two feature races at Sandown Park.

The Group Listed Australian Sprint (515m) and the Maidment Memorial (595m) kick off the year’s feature racing at the Springvale venue which is home to the world’s richest greyhound race, the TAB Melbourne Cup.

Ennis has three greyhounds engaged in the Australian Sprint including Deadly Vane that has returned from a near-career ending injury in astonishing fashion.

After being told Deadly Vane would never race again, his recovery and his performances have earned admiration from the trainer.

“This greyhound is just so tough,” Ennis said

“He is a great chaser and has been pulling up really well from his races. He has no soreness whatsoever and that’s a testament to the care taken with him in his recovery.”

Since returning from a six month layoff, Deadly Vane has run some outstanding times including a 29.298 second win at Sandown Park last week and a 24.940 second win at Warrnambool in late December.

“He’s boxing and coming out a lot better than he was before his injury which has helped him post some impressive times.”

The race itself is packed with talent. Two-time Sandown feature winner Lamia Bale has box seven in the race while Group 1 winner Marcus Joe jumps from box one.

The biggest danger to Deadly Vane (box four) may come from his kennel-mate My Bro Fabio that has drawn favourably in box eight while Ennis’ third runner, Dream It (box five) may give the son of Vee Man Vane and Surfing Idol a clear run early.

In the Maidment Memorial Ennis has two chances – Lady Toy (box one) and Blinker’s On (box three). Jeff Britton also has two live chances in the race with Group 1 winner Mepunga Hayley (box eight) and Texas Titan (box seven).

Sandown Park is celebrating pre-Australia Day at their meeting tonight with a number of special $2 offers for patrons. Details here.

Both features tonight are Group Listed and worth $22,000, with $15,000 going to the winner.

Sandown form guide: CLICK HERE

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WATCH: Deadly Vane’s impressive 29.298 second victory at Sandown Park last week
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PIC: Deadly Vane after a win in a semi-final of the 2014 Silver Chief. Courtesy: Paul Munt. 

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