Gelzinnis Clan has shown he is as tough as they come but trainer Jeff Ahern thinks his greyhound will need all his fighting qualities for this year’s Group 2 Lismore Workers Club Cup.
The sprinter, who overcame a broken hock early in his career to become a solid campaigner, goes from box five in the third of four Cup heats this Friday.
Gelzinnins Clan has a sparkling record at the Northern Rivers track but the tough opposition includes last year’s winner Regal Lauryn (box three), dangerous Outa Tempo (box one) and superb starter Premier Mozz (box seven).
Ahern hopes his chaser can shock his rivals in the race, which is part of the exciting new Thank Dog It’s Friday series.
“Fingers crossed he gets a shot at them,” Ahern said.
“He has a lot inside of him but he has had plenty of practise at the track at least.
“He has not been racing this class of greyhound but I think he is with a chance.”
Gelzinnins Clan’s racing career was in doubt after he was injured while racing at the start of 2013.
He was out for more than eight months but the break has not stopped him becoming a handy performer.
The chaser has only gone unplaced once at Lismore in 11 previous outings and has secured eight wins and 17 other placings from his 38 starts so far.
Gelzinnis Clan has drawn unfavourably but his racing record demands respect.
“I nearly passed out when I saw the draw,” Ahern, who works out of the Northern Rivers town of Casino, said. “He likes the inside.
“I wasn’t sure how he would go (when he returned) but it was magnificent to see him back on the track.
“We’ve eased him along and he’s got his confidence back.”
Ahern started training about 30 years ago after handling cattle dogs for friends on Queensland properties.
“I got pretty good handling them so I thought, ‘I’ll give greyhounds a go’,” the 63-year-old said.
“I liked the dogs and the dogs like me.
“It’s a good life - better than digging holes for a living.”
Others to watch in the heats include Cyndie’s Special, Exhibitionist, Miner’s Moss, Yogi Blue and Pace Ventura.
This is the latest leg of Greyhound Racing NSW’s Thank Dog It’s Friday series, which showcases the best regional racing in NSW in a primetime Friday night slot.
For more information on the series, visit www.thedogs.com.au.
Ten races are on the card and action starts at 7.19pm.
For Lismore Friday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
