Steven Clarke is hoping to start a life-changing few days in style with a victory for Big Ticket in Thursday’s Group 1 Tattsbet Hobart Thousand (461m).
The exciting pup looks a strong chance to take out the $100,000 decider after a strong performance in last week’s heats and then drawing box one for the decider.
This would be a first Group 1 win for Victorian Clarke, who will officially adopt a 14-month-old baby boy he and his wife have been caring for as foster parents next Tuesday.
Clarke is delighted to be in the final and he is determined to remain philosophical whatever the outcome of the big race.
“It could be a massive week,” he said with a grin.
“It’s a big thrill but I know the sun will come up the morning after if I don’t win.
“He is a very fast dog. If he can jump well he has a chance.”
Last Thursday’s impressive 25.90 win was an eighth success in 13 starts for Big Ticket.
A son of Fabregas and Bella Portrait, he has won all four of his previous starts with the red rug and seems ideally suited to the Hobart track.
“I think the long straight there suits him,” Clarke said. “He is a big dog – 39 kilos – and on the straight at our local track at Healesville he can match it with anyone.
“His mother had some injury problems but she was extremely fast. She has had some nice pups, but this fellow looked a pinch above the rest.”
Clarke has been involved with greyhounds for most of his life but became a full-time trainer in heartbreaking circumstances.
He was a fraud manager for a major bank but after his young daughter passed away with a terminal illness, he followed his dream and switched careers.
“I wanted to follow my passion,” he said. “I thought, ‘life is too short - why not do something that I love?'.
“I love the racing and the sense of achievement when you prepare a greyhound for the track.
“I’ve had this one since he was ten months old. To break him in and then see him going well is fantastic.”
Recent Melbourne Cup winner Dyna Villa jumps from box two and will start as favourite.
Senor Slamma (box eight) has won 11 out of his last 12 starts and carries local hopes.
Hellyeah Bolt's scratching on Thursday morning means the dangerous Darren McDonald-trained Kicking Rocks gets a run from box six.
For Hobart Thursday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
