Leading Victorian Trainer Chasing First Galaxy Success
1 February, 2017
Greyhound
Jason Thompson has won a host of Australia’s major greyhound races, but Western Australia’s premier staying test has eluded his grasp.
The leading Victorian trainer prepared Sammy Mint to win the Perth Cup in 2001, but he is aiming for his maiden victory in the Group 1 Galaxy.
His hopes of snaring the 715m final at Cannington on Saturday rests with Trip To Eden, a luckless runner-up in last week’s heats.
Trip To Eden uncharacteristically was last out of the boxes, but in a positive sign he closed the race out strongly behind Topology.
Thompson is confident Trip To Eden, with race experience, will benefit and improve from his first look at the Cannington track.
“I thought his run in the heat was really good and it was uncharacteristic that he missed the start and come from behind,” Thompson told Tabradio’s The Sports Daily.
“He is pretty much a front-running stayer so to see him come out ordinary, find a little bit of trouble and work hard to get a forward position was a good effort.
“And probably just before they turned for home going past the 600m boxes he went for a split between the two dogs in front and when he was half way through it closed and pushed him back a couple of lengths.
“He sort of had to pick himself up as they turned for home and he did a really good job to qualify and run second.
“I think had the gap not closed he probably would have won although I’m pretty happy with second and making the final.”
Trip To Eden, who has 13 wins from 34 starts, will jump from box four. Thompson said a clean start from the middle of the field will be crucial.
“I think the draw is ok for him,” Thompson said.
“They tell me it is harder to win over 700m from wider boxes.
“We probably wanted to draw between one and four.
“He normally begins really well and I’m hoping looking at the track last week and with race experience he doesn’t begin like he did in his heat.
“He is as quick as any of the dogs in there and has the ability to win the race and if he is in front I’m pretty sure he is going to be hard to run down.
“But it’s a Group 1 race and he can’t be doing anything wrong and missing the start.
“If he does everything right he will be very hard to beat.”
Julio Santarelli