Ben Abercrombie has paid heed to some wise words while overseeing Oopsy and it could well pay off at Cannington on Saturday night.
The flying sprinter-come-stayer is one of the country’s most in-form greyhounds and aims for a seventh successive win in the New Year’s Eve Bookings 9458 9182 (715m), the meeting’s ninth race.
Oopsy, who will jump from box two here, started her career as a solid chaser but a move up to 642m has brought greater rewards.
Trainer Abercrombie said he reckoned it was now time to see if Oopsy could step up further.
“I thought she would be a handy stayer from day dot,” he said.
“I always remember being told that you don’t know what you’ve got until you give them six or seven hard starts over a distance. That was right on the money.
“Her first couple of 600m runs were enormous (and) she is getting more powerful.”
A daughter of Collision and Mrs Marley, Oopsy has won 10 of her first 19 races.
She enjoyed a decent start to her racing career at 530m level but has really excelled since stepping up to 642m last month, winning six out of seven starts.
This is a first start over 715m but Abercrombie thinks she can step up fine, although he expects Expect A Guess (box one) to be a danger.
Abercrombie 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 Helen Sayer, who owns his greyhounds and is a master at identifying the best breeding possibilities.
“Whether you have three greyhounds or 30, you have to have the commitment to them,” he said.
“I love turning animals out in top-top condition and learning more things about them on the way.
“Even stuff like talking to different trainers and even learning about blood tests and injuries – I enjoy it all.
“I’m really lucky to work with Helen (and) I love it.”
Abercrombie also likes his charge Takahashi (box two) to triumph in race seven.
Last week’s Group 3 Young Star Classic winner Starlight Jack gets another outing from box two in the Community Newspaper Group (520m).
Tureaud, who is highly rated by trainer Paul Stuart, goes for an eighth win in 10 starts in the Property Plus Real Estate Fifth Grade (530m).
My Mate Cobber (race three) is also worth watching.
Eleven races are on the card at Cannington and action starts at 9.58pm (AEDT).
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
