Clifford Clark has been there, seen it and done that in greyhound racing but he’s allowing himself to get a little excited over Surfection.
The impressive newcomer goes into this Friday’s Group 3 Laurie Healion Memorial Maiden (515m) semi-finals at The Gardens as the fastest qualifier.
He chalked up an eye-catching debut winning time of 29.69 to claim last week’s heats and will be tough to stop from box eight this time around.
His Greta-based trainer, who has been involved with greyhounds for about half-a-century, is delighted with his charge’s progress.
“I was not surprised he went so well,” Clark said. “I knew he could.
“His sectional times have been very smart and I’m hoping he can go right through now.
“He has never run on the outside but there will be nothing coming across him. I think he has drawn the right box.
“I’m hoping he can get out in front. Once he does, he will tough to catch.”
The eight fastest greyhounds and two reserves from the semi-finals will progress to next Friday’s final, which has a $25,000 first prize.
Jason Mackay’s Zipping Amelia (box seven) also went sub-30 seconds last week on debut and should challenge Surfection, as could box three’s Lightest Touch.
Invisible and Effective Miss look strong picks from the second semi-final.
Clark rates Boss Number One, who won 18 races and earned more than $60,000 in prize-money, as his top greyhound.
“He won ten at Wentworth Park,” Clark (72) said. “I think this one has the chance of doing the same.
“He is off to Sydney after this. He likes the rail and his times have been unreal, so Wentworth Park should suit him.”
Clark started training dogs about 50 years ago after being encouraged by a mate’s father.
“I saw him involved and thought, ‘I wouldn’t mind having a go’,” Clark said.
“He told me, ‘build a kennel and I will produce the dogs’. That’s what I did.
“The first dog I had won three in a row first up. I thought, ‘how long have I been missing out on this’.
“My grandson Cory, who owns Surfection, has cerebral palsy and he gets a real buzz seeing him win. I get my buzz seeing him happy.
“I still love the dogs as well.”
The heats are among ten races at The Gardens on Friday, with action starting at 3.42pm.
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