-2003.JPG)
Peter Ruetschi knows all about the rollercoaster fortunes of greyhound racing but he reckons he could be back flying at Ipswich this Saturday.
The Queensland trainer, who has enjoyed a notable year on the track, has three hopes – Outa Tempo, Hougenie">Hougenie and You Can Talk – in the Heats of the Group 3 City of Ipswich Gold Cup (520m).
Another of Ruetschi’s star sprinters, recent Group 3 Gold Coast Cup winner Give You Credit, was also due to race but her racing career is currently on hold after she sustained a recent shoulder tendon injury.
Ruetschi is devastated about her injury and hopes for a welcome tonic at Ipswich.
“That’s what it is all about,” he said. “You have your good days and bad days in racing – sometimes it seems a lot more bad ones.
“I was going to take Give You Credit to Melbourne soon, but those plans have gone astray.
“I like the chances of all three of them (at Ipswich), especially Outa Tempo.
“Hopefully I can get a win with at least one of them.”
The three experienced kennelmates have enjoyed notable careers, racking up more than 40 wins combined.
Outa Tempo, who jumps from box eight in the second Heat, ran a place in the recent Lismore Cup and has a strong record at Ipswich.
Consistent Hougenie (box four, Heat three) has placed on her last six starts, while You Can Talk has a great record at Ipswich and has drawn well on the rail for Heat four.
“Outa Tempo has improved so much over the last 12 months,” Ruetschi said. “He’s been racing against some of the best and done well.
“Hougenie is a fantastic little greyhound. If she has any luck she will give them something to look at.
“You Can Talk has run really well recently. She’s a good greyhound.”
Some classy greyhounds from Queensland and northern NSW will line up for the four Heats of the race, which offers $25,000 to the winner.
Heat one features in-form Happy Haswell (box six) and Pace Ventura, who is debuting at the track but is usually a danger and can challenge from box two.
The second Heat features Lismore Cup winner Yogi Blue, who jumps from box seven, while strong railer Placid Planet should challenge from box one.
Impressive newcomer Hopping Houdini will be tough to stop in Heat three, although Exhibitionist (box eight) is dangerous and has a good record at Ipswich.
Heat four feature’s Lismore Cup runner-up Bill’s Fantasy in box eight, who is racing very strongly.
The final is next Saturday night.
For Ipswich Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
