Bralyn Stalker has copped his fair share of growing pains but he’s become a real star for trainer Bradley Northfield (both pictured).
The flying sprinter aims for his fifth consecutive win in the first heat of the Group 3 Charcoal Inn Casino Cup (484m) on Friday.
Bralyn Stalker debuted in December last year but shortly afterwards was sidelined for almost six months with metacarpal and toe problems.
Since returning, though, he’s recorded a stack of wins and looks a strong chance to earn a place in next Friday’s $25,000 final, one of the biggest races of the year in the Northern Rivers.
“It was frustrating,” Northfield, who works out of Backmede, close to Casino, said. “You do start thinking, ‘will he be able to come back from this’.
“He’s a big greyhound too and it took a while for him to grow up and hit his straps.
“This is the game with greyhounds sometimes. You’ve got to have a lot of patience.”
Since returning in June Bralyn Stalker has taken his record to nine wins from 13 starts.
He starts from box seven today and faces some tough opponents, including the likes of Sassy Dior (box one), Wild Roses in box three and Wilhelm, who has drawn box eight.
“It’s not a bad draw for us,” Northfield said. “Bralyn Stalker won a couple of times from the outside.
“His good early speed is his main attribute. He can find the front in the first 50 metres.
“He handles the track well so I’m optimistic he can win again.”
The 55-year-old is among the Northfield clan, who have enjoyed plenty of greyhound racing success over the years.
Bradley’s brother Glen, his cousin Charlie and his brother Mitch are all currently involved with the sport.
Northfield, who has trained two previous winners of his home cup, said it made for some lively discussions at family get-togethers.
“It’s a friendly rivalry,” he said with a grin. “We support each other, but when we’re out there we want to beat each other.
“For me, I love the dogs. They are a special breed – so placid and friendly.
“You treat them well and they reward you.
“That’s what keeps me going.”
Other notables to watch in the heats include last year’s winner Glenreagh Rocket and Glamour Row.
They go head-to-head in heat two.
Charlie Northfield’s Kingsbrae Molly aims to continue her remarkable record at Casino in heat three.
She has never finished lower than second in all of her 19 races at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Cosmic Dryva, recent Group 3 Townsville Cup runner-up Pace Ventura and 2013 Casino Beef Week Cup winner Bogan Miss are in heat four.
Action is under way at 12.49pm.
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