Neil Staines is as proud a New South Welshman as you’ll find – which is why he is dreaming of a crack at this year’s Group 1 AGRA National Distance Championship.
Staines has Pumped Up Zarr going from box one in this Saturday’s NSW Distance Final (720m) at Wentworth Park, which will see the winner progress to the Australian final in WA later this month.
Victory would mean a first trip to the Nationals for Southern Highlands-based Staines, who has been training for about 30 years.
The 57-year-old is excited about reaching the $75,000-to-the-winner overall 715m final, which is one of the country’s biggest greyhound races.
“It would be great to have a dog there,” Staines said. “To know I’d be representing the state would be a good feeling.
“It would be even better to win it.
“I think I’ll be nervous (on Saturday). When you play sport yourself you get hyped up and it’s the same here as well.
“It’s a big race and I’m pretty excited.”
A third place finish in last week’s Distance heat was enough to earn Pumped Up Zarr a place in the state final.
Staines’s charge may not have the most spectacular of records heading into the race but he’s definitely worth considering.
He has 10 wins from 38 starts and has won on two previous outings over 720m at the Glebe track.
You won’t find his Yass trainer complaining about the box draw, either.
“I’m happy with that,” Staines said. “He jumps alright but doesn’t do his best until he finds the fence.
“He missed the kick in the heat (and) got caught up in traffic, but you have to cope with things like that.”
Staines also said his greyhound had endured his hard times but had earned his shot at the state Distance crown.
“He has always had that ability,” the trainer said. “He has had a few problems with injuries, which we are on top of at the moment.
“He pulled up beautifully (from the heats) and has had a very easy week.
“I’m reasonably confident he can go well again.”
Staines pinpointed exciting newcomer Dusty Moonshine (box three) as a potential threat.
She is one of two finalists for Goulburn trainer Denice Warren, with veteran Gotta Problem starting from box six.
Staines also believes My Asuncion, trained by Adele Powell, could challenge from box eight.
For Wentworth Park fields, form and exert tips, click here.
