Bessy Boo may still get the chance to represent NSW in the forthcoming Group 1 AGRA National Distance Sprint Championship (530m).
This year’s Peter Mosman Classic winner (pictured, on the right of the track) missed out an automatic berth in the state final, but still has the opportunity to qualify depending on this Saturday’s WA decider at Cannington
Christine Proctor, who trains the greyhound alongside husband Alan, said she planned to fly west with Bessy Boo this Friday to trial her at the Perth track.
Londonderry-based Proctor said she had mixed emotions about making such a long – and possibly short - trip with the greyhound, but said it could eventually all be worth it.
“How am I feeling about it all?” she said with a wry grin. “Tired, anxious – you name it.
“I’m going to take a chance – if it doesn’t come off, so be it."
The completed list of qualifiers for the National Sprint and Distance races will be determined after the concluding Sprint final at Cannington this Saturday.
Under AGRA rules, WA Sprint finalist Zelemar Fever would qualify for a Nationals wild card even if she fails to finish in the top two this Saturday.
If she does win or finish runner-up in the state final, that would still leave a wild card for the Nationals open.
Bessy Boo is the next in line for the invite as he is the highest ranking sprinter still in contention.
Proctor said she would trial her charge at Cannington on Saturday night, but they would likely return home as soon as possible if Zelemar Fever receives the wild card instead.
“If he doesn’t get a run (in the final) then I’ll probably fly back on the Sunday,” she said.
“At least he will have had a trial on the track. That may help him in the future if he moves up to 600 or 700 metres and goes back again there.
“I never take a greyhound (to a track) cold so having a run on the track could be useful for the future.”
Proctor also conceded winner Chica Destacada was too hot to handle for her charge in the Sprint final last Saturday night.
Doreen Drynan’s greyhound produced a storming 29.60 run to take the final at Wentworth Park and book a Nationals berth.
Bessy Boo could only finish third behind the winner and runner-up Tommy Brislane.
“With Chica Destacada up in front like that it was going to be tough,” Proctor said.
“When they get in front and are running like that, you have to run 29.3 to stop them.”
The National Sprint and Distance finals take place at Cannington on Saturday, August 23.
Both races carry $75,000 to the winner.
