Sydney Wales has been waiting nearly half a century for a Wentworth Park winner – and he may just have found one.
Wales has exciting charge I’m Pedro going for a fifth consecutive victory in the AAA Radiators Specialist Sprint Series Heat Three (520m) at the Glebe track on Monday night.
The dog is making his Sydney debut on his seventh outing and has already chalked up convincing victories at regional tracks, including a triumph by more than 10 lengths at Nowra last month.
Wales is trying to keep his feet on the ground but the 73-year-old admitted the dog has got him excited.
“I’ve never had nerves like this before with a dog,” he said.
“It’s the ambition of every trainer to have a Wentworth winner.
“I just want him to come home safely but when he gets a win, it does give me a tingle.”
Wales, who is based at the Southern Highlands village of Hill Top, has owned and trained dogs intermittently for about 40 years.
He was offered the pup at birth by mate and fellow trainer Robert Jackson, who he helps with walking dogs and other duties.
I’m Pedro won on his third start at Goulburn and has since chalked up three more victories.
He led the field home by almost 10 lengths in another win at Goulburn over 457m and has secured other convincing triumphs at Dapto and Nowra.
This is a first competitive trip to Sydney for I’m Pedro but he has caught the eye with trials at Wentworth Park.
“He recently trialled there post-to-post in 24.21,” Wales said.
“I had a couple of people tell me that he is a real top dog.
“He has been racing against dogs seven or eight months older than him but handling them all right.”
Wales has vowed not to get carried away if his dog wins tonight.
“I’m a quiet one,” he said. “There’ll be no drinking or anything like that.
“My wife and I will probably just watch the video over and over again.
“You just hope that win, lose or draw the dog comes home safe.”
Castanea (box one) had a successful debut at Wentworth Park last Monday and looks the biggest threat to I’m Pedro.
The race is one of 10 on offer at Wentworth Park and action is under way at 7.14pm.
For fields and form, click here.
