Trainers of National Distance Championship candidates will be relieved to learn that Australia’s most exciting staying prospect Space Star won’t be tackling this year’s long distance series.
Space Star (pictured with trainer Dawn Garrett) took his record to seven wins from 11 starts with another scintillating win at Gosford on Tuesday, covering the 600m in 34.56.
This time was well inside Awesome Luck’s long-standing record which was broken when Space Star himself earlier this month.
Despite his eye-catching performances, Garrett said this year's 715m National Championship had come too early in Space Star's career.
“He is too young for the Nationals," Garrett said. "The grand final on August 23 is in Perth so I wouldn’t consider travelling all that way with him at this stage of his career.
“The National finals are in NSW next year so that will be the dog’s long term goal.’’
Space Star has enjoyed a year to remember, chalking up victories in good company at Richmond, Maitland, Gosford and Wentworth Park.
He attracted further attention when he broke the 600m record at Gosford on July 15.
That superb 34.21 run underlined his status as one of the nation's most promising stayers.
Nationals' heats take place at Wentworth Park on Saturday, August 2, with the NSW state final a week later.
Cannington will host the AGRA National Distance and National Sprint (530m) finals later this month.
Central Coast-based trainer Garrett has opted not to give the greyhound another run out at Gosford this Tuesday.
For Gosford fields, form and expert tips, click here.
