Shirley’s Kidz may not have done her bit for Bob Barnden’s improving health but she could provide him with yet another tonic at The Gardens on Friday.
The inconsistent but improving campaigner aims for her third win in a row when she starts from box one in the Schweppes Stakes (515m).
Central Coast-based Barnden trained dogs for 30 years before giving it up for about a decade due to other commitments.
A heart attack about six years ago forced him to give up work – and prompted the former bricklayer to take up training dogs again.
“My wife and kids said I should do it for exercise,” he said.
“Did I have any reservations about it? No – I soon loved it again.
“I love the people. Everywhere you go (in racing) you can sit at a table and have a yarn with someone.
“I was a bit surprised by some of the changes, but I had a lot of experience so I knew what I was doing.
“I grew to love it again.”
Shirley’s Kidz has been a patchy performer for Barnden but seems to be belatedly hitting her straps.
She collected a win on her Wentworth Park debut last Friday over 520m to make it four victories and nine other placings from 23 starts.
Among her rivals in Friday’s race will be another of Barnden’s charges, Alan’s Kidz (box four).
Cawbourne Havoc (box three) has gone 29.52 for the distance, a time matched by Precious Lulu (box seven).
Shirley’s Kidz has a best of 29.96 for the distance, but Barnden said she had not enjoyed the luckiest of racing careers so far.
“She could have a better record,” Barnden, who works out of Killarney Vale, said. “She’s been beaten four times in photo finishes.
“She’s a good kennel dog and also very light – only 24 kilos or so.
“If she can get out in front and the other good dogs hit trouble, then she has a chance.
“She is a mad railer and a sound beginner.
“It’s a tough field so I’m not too confident but she’s a decent each way chance.”
The race is the eighth of ten on offer at The Gardens on Friday, with action starting at 3.47pm.
For fields, form and tips, click here.
