John Hutchinson has some big training shoes to fill but he has made a good start.
The Queenslander has Winged Elite going in the Group 1 Garrard’s Winter Carnival Cup Final (520m) at Albion Park on Thursday night.
Hutchinson’s charge, who starts from box six, has compiled a solid record of seven wins and five placings from 21 outings so far.
He faces some tough opposition tonight in the $75,000-to-the-winner race but his trainer said his greyhound should not be discounted.
“He is a bit slow on the outside,” Hutchinson said.
“If he can start well and work his way to the rail, then I think he has a rough chance.
“There are so many good in this field (though). “
Winged Elite’s runner-up placing in last week’s heats was his first outing since falling at the track three weeks earlier.
He bounced back well from that setback, though, chalking up a strong run of 30.16 to secure his final chance.
Winged Elite has won on both his previous outings from box six and has more track experience than most of his rivals, with greyhounds coming from Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria and the host state.
Recent Queensland Derby winner Flash Reality (box eight) goes for Tony Brett as the fastest qualifier and looks the one to beat.
“You see Tony’s name a lot with these big races,” Hutchinson said. “You know he’ll always have good dogs.
“The box eight and the box one dog (Awesome Project) will be tough to stop."
Part-time landscaper Hutchinson is making his way in the greyhound business and is the grandson of former Queensland Hall of Famer John Reimer.
This will be a first Group final for the 27-year-old – and he is out to enjoy it.
“I’m very excited – but I’m nervous as well,” he said. “You invest a lot of time into the sport and it’s great when you get something out of it.
“My grandfather doesn’t have much to do with the tracks now but he is coming along to watch. So are my Mum and Dad.
“It’s a great thrill walking out onto the track alongside all these good trainers.
“I’m just trying to get a start in greyhound training. I’m hoping this dog could be a platform to get me out there and get a few of these good dogs.”
The race is seven of ten on the card at Albion Park and goes at 8.44pm.
