There is something about the BurpenGary air and trainer Gary Keep that definitely agrees with Beau Jillem.
Since Keep took charge of the greyhound earlier this year she has won four from nine starts, including a win at Casino last Friday.
She will attempt to continue her good run of form at Casino today, going from box one in the Betfair Blue Paws Sprint Series Final (484m).
Keep, who works out of a five-acre property in the Queensland town, said he was delighted with his charge's improvement.
“I thought I would give her a three-month trial at first and see if the environment and the kennels here were to her liking,” he said. “They seem to be.
“I feed my dogs well and work them hard – that’s my attitude.
“She’s a lovely-tempered greyhound and she seems to like it here.”
Beau Jillem chalked up six wins from her first 49 starts but has really hit her straps in the last few months.
It could be hard to continue that winning form against some tough opposition today, however.
Box three bitch Something Blue is in a rich vein of form, with six wins and three placings from her last nine outings.
“The box three dog goes good on the track,” Keep said. “The one dog (Monaco Rose) will be tough as well.
“If Beau Jillem jumps well then she will be tough to stop.
“I’m hoping to build her up to 520m and give her a run at Lismore soon.
“I also hope to win a decent city race with her. I think she’s got that ability."
The 63-year-old, who has been around greyhounds all his life, said he enjoyed the sport’s highs and lows.
“I’m retired so I have plenty of time to do it,” he said. “I love the challenge as well
“My wife Karen is keen and she helps me out.
“You need to have a hobby when you retire. I love the challenge of the sport as well.
“My secret is to make sure my wife and I give ourselves a holiday occasionally. I think a lot of trainers don’t do that.
“I think it’s good for the dogs and good for you to have a break. You keep fresh and you are ready to go when you come back.”
Casino racing starts at 12.44pm.
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