Bill Elson made a snap decision to enter Bill's Fantasy in this year's Group 2 Lismore Workers Club Cup - but boy, it may be about to pay off.
The sprinter (pictured with trainer Elson) will jump from box two in this Friday's final, the latest leg of the Thank Dog it's Friday series, and has been installed as the pre-race $3.50 pick with TAB.
After coming through last week’s heats in impressive fashion on his first ever visit to the track, the experienced campaigner looks a strong contender for the $40,000 top prize.
It would be a first Group win in more than 30 years of training for 67-year-old Queenslander Elson and he is sounding confident.
“I think he has a big chance,” Elson said.
“I missed the chance to trial him at Lismore and I nearly didn’t nominate him, but I said, ‘oh, let’s give it a go’.
“If he jumps well, he will be hard to beat.”
Bill’s Fantasy produced a superb 30.19 run to claim victory in his last Friday’s heat.
That victory took his record to a solid 15 wins and nine placings from 44 starts.
It has been a good effort for a greyhound whose racing days were threatened by a chipped wrist bone early in his career.
Bill’s Fantasy has a strong record from the outside but Elson thinks the draw could still be favourable.
“I think he is entitled to be favourite,” Elson said.
“I have a good alley and he seems to like the track.
“If he misses the kick on the inside then he will get squashed in but he is handy from anywhere.”
Elson works out of Churchable, about 65km out of Brisbane and is assisted by wife Cynthia.
“I like the thrill of winning a race,” he said.
“Greyhounds are beautiful animals and they are just like pets to me.
“I think anyone can train greyhounds. There’s no secret – it’s just about keeping them sound and fit.
“It would definitely be nice to win this one.”
Fastest heat qualifier Birkdale Beauty ($4.50) has drawn box eight, while Northern Rivers hope Love Kills ($6) goes from box one.
Box seven’s Yogi Blue ($6) is also a strong contender.
Friday's race jumps at 9.38pm.
For more information on the Thank Dog It’s Friday series, click here.
For fields, form and expert tips for Lismore Friday, click here.
Box draw for Friday's Lismore Cup (TAB Fixed Odds price brackets): 1. Love Kills ($6); 2. Bill's Fantasy ($3.50); 3. Mal Rose Hi ($13); 4. Walk With Faith ($8); 5. Outa Tempo ($8); 6. Fusaichi Kahn ($8); 7. Yogi Blue ($6); 8. Birkdale Beauty ($4.50). Reserves: Dulcie Dee, Intensive Storm.
