Garry Streatfield has always been able to rely on Glenreagh Rocket to fire and he is hoping for more success at Maitland this Thursday.
Streatfield’s charge goes from box four in the Macro Meats Sprint Challenge (450m) aiming for a third victory in a row and valuable points in the race for a GBOTA Sprint Challenge final berth.
Last year’s Casino Cup winner has only failed to place once in his last 11 outings and has a respectable 24 triumphs from 55 starts.
The hard-working dog is backing up from another victory in the Sportingbet Chief Havoc Cup Final at Gunnedah over 512m on Sunday but trainer Streatfield is happy to give his dog another run.
“I don’t normally back them up so quickly but because I need the points, I thought I’d give it a go,” Streatfield said.
“He pulled up well after Gunnedah so we’ll see how he goes.”
Glenreagh Rocket would likely be one of the ones to watch if he can make the Challenge final, which is open to the best performing dogs from regional tracks in the series.
His notable career so far also includes a triumph in last year’s Centrebet Chief Havoc Cup Final at Gunnedah and a string of victories at regional tracks.
Streatfield is hopeful of another win at Maitland but said Lochinvar Impact (box seven) may have his dog’s measure.
“Lochinvar Impact is a good dog,” Streatfield said.
“He beat one of my other dogs, Magic Diore, at the Unibet Gardens last month and is very handy.
“Slater Hill (box five) is a decent dog too, so it’s a tough race.”
Streatfield, who is based in the Northern Rivers town of Glenreagh, about 40km south of Grafton, has been training dogs for about 16 years
“I like racing and breeding dogs too,” he said.
“When you win races like the Casino Cup and at Gunnedah it’s a big thrill. That keeps me going.
“I still really enjoy it.”
The race is the fifth of 10 on the card at Maitland and action is under way at 3.59pm.
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The $20,000-to-the-winner Sprint Challenge Final takes place at Wentworth Park on Saturday, June 21, on the same card as this year's Rapidvite Peter Mosman Classic.
