Bunny connection heads chase

PLAYING for South Sydney in the mid 90s, Erina based trainer Michael Francis never thought his association with former league international Terry Hill would lead to greyhound success.

Since picking up Wild Blue Boy as a pup from Hill's Dapto-based kennel, Francis has enjoyed a string of placings.

At Bathurst's Kennerson Park on Monday night, Wild Blue Boy ($3.10) continued his form, storming to victory in the Michael and Lynn Maney Appreciation over 520 metres in 30.56, smashing his previous best lap record of 30.72.

In a mud running performance any league player would have been proud of, Wild Blue Boy exploded out of box seven alongside Bathurst-bred dog, Tick On, before dominating the back end and charging home to record a comfortable win by more than five lengths to Pippi's Royale ($1.80 place).

Orange-trained, Perfect Puzzle ($1.90 place) was 1.5 lengths back in third.

For Francis who played 30 games for South Sydney between 1993-98, Wild Blue Boy's sixth win from 13 starts was satisfying, evidence through his excitement watching the replay back on the big screen.

"I've got Newcastle on Friday so I'll see how he goes there, but his whole litter is on fire so he's just a good dog," Francis said.

"He's got a brother and a sister who have won half-a-dozen races at Wentworth Park, so his out of a good litter brought from Terry Hill as a pup."

While rapt with the win, Francis conceded being concerned with Wild Blue Boy's barrier draw. However, his star hound's sheer power across the back straight proved too strong as she charged down the home straight in convincing style.

"It was a good race today, he got an outside box and I was a bit concerned about the inside had the advantage, so he missed the kick there, but he's just a strong dog," he said.