Gary Palmer is hoping perseverance can finally pay off with victory in the Cosmic Rumble Sprint Series Final (520m) at Lismore on Tuesday night.
The Tweed trainer has two dogs going in the $10,000-to-the-winner race, with Renatus starting in box eight and Sheridon heading out from the four.
Palmer thinks the former is a better chance but the latter has been a consistent recent performer, with nine placings from his last 10 outings and an eye-catching record at Lismore.
Victory would be the biggest prize in Palmer’s training career, which stretches back about 25 years.
“I want this one really bad,” he said. “I’ve never won anything decent, so it would be great to get this one.
“When (Sheridon) first started, he just would not run the full distance.
“I started him over 500m but he didn’t want to do that. I dropped him back to 400m and that worked.
“He’s a dog that’s always got a chance. He puts himself in the lead and has a will to win.”
Sheridon has a solid six wins from 19 starts and has placed on 10 of his last 13 visits to Lismore.
Renatus has one win from seven career outings but is the fastest finalist over 520m and is shaping up nicely.
“I think he is boxed to win,” Palmer said.
“He was the same as Sheridon – a bit immature – but he is going okay now.
“Give him a couple more runs and he will really start to put it together.”
Palmer, whose real name is Robin, started working with dogs in about 1987 after an escalator accident meant he was only able to work light duties.
The 62-year-old, who is supported by long-term partner Valerie Vickery, said he loved the sport’s competitive nature.
“It keeps me thinking,” he said. “You’ve got to have something to keep you thinking as you get older.
“I’ve had people telling me to get rid of dogs because they are useless - then you get a win out of them.
“I like the satisfaction of getting a greyhound to win, even if it’s only a fifth grace race.”
Box five dog No Prisoners has four placings from his last five starts and looks a decent chance.
Cosmic Pauly (box two) is enjoying a solid 2014 and also looks handy.
The race is off at 8.42pm and is one of 10 at Lismore.
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