You will not find many more dedicated trainers than Ben Abercrombie and his efforts with You For Real are certainly paying off.
The in-form greyhound starts from box two chasing an eighth straight win in the TABtouch WA Bred Championship (530m) at Cannington on Saturday night.
A high-quality field lies in wait, though, with the opposition including My Mate Cobber, Luba Monelli and Te Amo.
Abercrombie is aware his hopeful faces a tough task but reckons she cannot be discounted.
“This is quite a big step-up in class for her,” he said.
“I actually probably prefer out wide. She likes to dart in and use the width of the track.
“With her early speed (though) she shows the same sectionals wherever she goes from.
“She’s very keen and I think she’ll be a good honest WA dog.”
You For Real has been a real star this winter, with her good form taking her overall record to eight wins from 11 starts.
She is among a handful of noteworthy greyhounds on Abercrombie’s books, including the stayer Takahashi, who has won 13 of 19 so far.
Greyhounds are a huge part of life for Abercrombie, who grew up in Mt Druitt in Sydney’s west before moving to WA when he was 19.
The 38-year-old owns a six-acre property at Banjup, close to the Cannington track and his partner is canny Helen Sayer, who owns his greyhounds and is a master at identifying the best breeding possibilities.
Abercrombie has been around greyhounds for most of his life and cites iconic NSW trainer John Finn as a big inspiration.
“He dedicated his whole life to the dogs and I try to do the same when I’m not with Helen,” Abercrombie said.
“I like seeing my dogs happy and putting every single inch of my time and effort into them.
“There’s nothing worse than knowing that you’ve let them down and fallen short with your preparation.
“I get a lot of enjoyment out of seeing them compete.”
The heat is one of two, with the final taking place next Saturday.
Other notables at Cannington include Zelemar Fever (race four), Burundi in race five and Oopsy, who goes for Abercrombie in the night’s opening race.
Ten races are on the card and action starts at 7.08pm local time (9.08pm AEST).
For Cannington fields, form and expert tips, click here.
