Invisible has put his trainer Larry Procopio through the mill but all will be forgotten if the greyhound can claim Friday’s Group 3 Laurie Healion Memorial Maiden (515m).
The novice campaigner starts from box seven in what looks to be a wide-open $25,000-to-the-winner final at The Gardens.
Invisible has already recorded a couple of handy runs at Richmond over 535m, but has been hampered by three bouts of acidosis.
Western Sydney-based Procopio admitted his charge’s fluctuating fortunes had tested his patience, but is hoping the final could be the start of better times ahead.
“He’s given me more grey hairs than any other greyhound I can remember,” Procopio said.
“We have had to persevere with him, but he has ability.
“We have learned that you cannot push him too hard.”
Invisible has put in two decent runs to secure his final berth, notching a pair of runners-up berths in the heat and semi-final.
His heat run of 29.96 was impressive, while he claimed a runners-up berth in last week's semi-final to earn Procopio a shot at the loot.
Last week’s semi-finals produced some surprising results, with Don’t Point winning one of the races as a $41.90 shot.
Bedlam Bridge finished second in the same race as a $21.90 for another Western Sydney trainer, Chris Carl.
Victory would be a first Group win for Carl, who is secretary-manager of the Windsor Leagues Club.
“He (Bedlam Bridge) can run 30.05 in trials at Richmond, but it’s a different story when he races with others,” Carl said.
“His later sectional times are phenomenal, so if he can stick with them then you never know.”
This is also a first Group final for some years for Riverstone-based Procopio, who became hooked on greyhounds shortly after leaving school.
The 54-year-old’s notable dogs over the years include What’s New, a multiple Wentworth Park winner who enjoyed almost 100 races.
“There’s a lot worse things you can do than get involved in greyhound racing,” Procopio said.
“I enjoy the animals more than anything and everyone needs a hobby.
“Once it gets in your blood, you don’t get rid of it easily.”
Promising Surfection was disappointing in last week’s semi-finals but should feature from box three.
The race is the fifth of ten on offer at the Gardens this Friday with action starting at 3.47pm.
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