Peter SIMPSON will not travel quite so far for his latest taste of Group action but the build-up will probably feel just as gruelling.
The trainer has Pace Ventura in the Group 3 Charcoal Inn Casino Cup (484m) final After the greyhound qualified through last Friday’s heats.
This is a welcome crack at his home Cup for Northern Rivers-based SIMPSON, who recently endured a 19-hour drive to north Queensland for the Group 3 Townsville Cup.
He faces a nervy few build-up to this Friday’s final and said a win would be extra-special.
“I think I’ll be thinking about the final every moment until Friday while I’m awake,” he said. “I would be over the moon to win it.
“We have got the bug.
“Travelling around for Group races is something we’ve wanted to do and now we have the class of dog to do it.”
Townsville Cup runner-up Pace Ventura was not entirely convincing in the heats, finishing second behind Dayseas Jet.
With nine wins from 23 starts – including five at Casino and two in good company at Wentworth Park – he has the potential to bounce back in the final.
“I wasn’t that happy with the heat,” SIMPSON, who works out of Stratheden, close to Casino, said.
“I think Dayseas Jet worried him by going out in front. He was in an uncomfortable position.
“I think everyone would say Bralyn Stalker is the one to beat in the final (and) you always want to be in the one or the eight at Casino.
“Pace Ventura is a good dog and he can match it with them in the final.”
Greyhounds have become a l way of life for SIMPSON, who is assisted by “marvellous” wife Helen.
The 55-year-old breeds and rears greyhounds and also runs a service transporting the animals between Brisbane and Sydney.
“They have a tremendous nature,” SIMPSON said.
“I go in the kennels and Pace Ventura will jump up and give me the biggest cuddle going.
“They don’t seem to have bad days. Every day is good for them.
“I’ve met some great people and whether it’s a Group race or a Maiden at Casino, it’s nice to win.”
The final will be a big day for local Northern Rivers greyhound training clan the Northfields, with three of the family having final hopes.
Bradley Northfield has Bralyn Stalker, who is the big threat with 10 wins from 14 starts.
Charlie Northfield has Kingsbrae Molly, who made it a remarkable 20 placings from 20 starts at Casino in last Friday’s heat.
Not to be outdone, Glen Northfield’s Dayseas Jet also qualified.
This Friday’s $25,000-to-the-winner race is one of the biggest dates on the Northern Rivers racing calendar.
Box draw: 1. Dayseas Jet; 2. Wilhelm; 3. Nevaeh Beach; 4. I'm A Believer; 5. Bikdale Beauty; 6. Kingsbrae Molly; 7. Pace Ventura; 8. Bralyn Stalker. Reserves: Kikem Shilling, Intensive Storm.
