Desmond Youngberg is hoping Abbey Corsair can give him the perfect birthday treat at Albion Park on Thursday.
The flying greyhound aims to make it five wins from six races when she goes from box three in the Scenic Rim Wranglers (600m).
Victory would be a memorable way for the Youngberg, who has been training for more than 50 years, to mark his 79th birthday.
The veteran trainer may not be planning wild celebrations if his charge gets the winner but there may be a tipple or two to mark the occasion.
“I think it’ll just be quiet,” Youngberg said. “I don’t play up anymore.
“I might have a scotch while they do the swabs.
“Since I put her over the 600m she’s been going really well. You can’t knock her the way she’s going.”
Abbey Corsair’s recent improvement has seen her build a solid career record of nine wins and 14 other placings from 38 starts.
She is the daughter of legendary Dashing Corsair, the former National and Sprint winner who chalked up more than 50 wins in a glorious 126-race career.
Abbey Corsair may not have hit those heights but Youngberg, who works out of the Logan town of Jimboomba, is happy with her progress.
“She’s brilliant,” he said. “You could have a dozen like her.
“I’m hoping she will go over 700m although I reckon once they go over 700m they never come back (down in distance).”
Youngberg has been training since 1960 but first became involved as a walker for family when he was a child.
Abbey Corsair is his only current working greyhound but popular Youngberg, who will have a race named in his honour on the night, still loves the sport.
“It gets me out of bed and keeps me fit,” he said.
“I’m not a bloke who throws my dogs on the walking machines. I like to walk them myself.
“It’s great when you get the win. You know there’s been no muscle man – you’ve put in the hard yards and no-one else has done it.
“What else would I have done without dogs? I’ve loved it.”
Abbey Corsair starts from box three, where she has triumphed from twice in recent weeks.
Not Held (box eight) is pacy on his day and could threaten.
Other greyhounds to look out for on the day include Viridian (race three), Pikelet (race four) and Grand Roman, who goes in race five.
Ten races are on the card and action starts at 6.44pm.
For Albion Park fields, form and expert tips, click here.
