If ever there was a greyhound that you’d want to drape an Australian flag over, it’s Slingshot Hammer.

He epitomises the colloquial terms ‘little Aussie battler’ and ‘spirit of Australia’.

An ‘unsung hero’ of the sport, Slingshot Hammer has ‘rubbed shoulders’ with a myriad of superstars and has come out – win, lose or draw – holding his head high!

Slingshot Hammer – who will become a race start ‘octogenarian’ at Sandown tonight – is chasing his 33^rd career win in the Australian Sprint (515m).

Trained by Robert Camilleri, Slingshot Hammer (Box 3) is expert form analyst The Watchdog’s top selection in the $15,000-to-the-winner event.

His record over 515m at Sandown reads: 20 starts for eight wins, three seconds and four thirds – including a 29.32sec PB from box three.

As for most things in life, Slingshot Hammer – a 10-time group race finalist (including three at G1 level) – is not going to get everything his own way.

Assessed as a $3.40 chance by The Watchdog, Slingshot Hammer is pitted against Black Signature ($2.80), who has won six races in eight starts from box one, and dual G1 finalist Tiggerlong Tonk ($3.50).

So, if you want to embrace some Australian greyhound racing patriotism, get out to Sandown tonight and cheer home Slingshot Hammer – greyhound racing’s ‘The Boy from Oz’!

Pawnote: Camilleri is hoping for a feature race double on the night, as he also has G1 Sandown Cup hero Rajasthan ($7.50) engaged in the Group Listed Maidment Memorial (595m), which also carries a $15,000 first prize.

WATCH: Slingshot Hammer (3) register a 29.32sec personal best at Sandown.