Glenn Smith is hoping flying George Delaker can make his long journey worthwhile while Jason Mackay’s next potential star chaser also gets another run at Thursday’s Maitland meeting.
George Delaker goes for a fifth consecutive win when he jumps from box two in the taragreyhounds.com.au Stakes (450m), the day’s opening race.
After racing hopefuls at Brisbane’s Albion Park the previous evening, Queenslander Smith will travel straight to Maitland – camping overnight with his three greyhounds in tow.
With his sprinter in such hot form, it should at least be a successful trip for the retired 71-year-old trainer.
“How long will the drive take me?” Smith said with a grin. “It depends how long I sleep for.
“I like my dogs to have a change of scenery (and) I don’t like constantly racing my dogs on two-turn tracks.
“He is the loveliest dog you will find and it’s great seeing him doing so well.”
George Delaker and Smith have made a great partnership since uniting late last year.
The former Victorian sprinter, a son of former Australian Greyhound of the Year El Grand Senor, has won nine of his last 14 starts.
He has 14 successes from 34 races overall and should be favourite again here, although Someone Great (box one) is a smart Wentworth Park winner.
“The one dog has pace (but) if mine comes out with them he has a chance,” Smith said.
“He doesn’t like it if they clutter him but he usually has the pace and strength to get round them.
“He needs to come out humming but he can win.”
Smith, whose chasers Boss Number Four and Balhannah are also racing at Maitland, will set off from Albion Park about 6pm on Wednesday.
He will likely stay overnight at Macksville before travelling on to Maitland – a total drive of some 800 kilometres.
Smith acquired his first greyhound almost 50 years ago and has been hooked ever since.
“I think it’s a bit of a ‘disease’,” he said. “Once you start racing, you are there to stay.
“If you do it properly, you can make some money as well.
“I like seeing my greyhounds win, no matter where they are running.”
Meanwhile, Mackay-trained Black Frenzy aims to continue his impressive start to racing in race seven over 450m.
A son of Fabregas x Rose Baby, he made it two wins from two last start at Maitland with a strong 22.28 run over the 400m.
Black Frenzy’s gun kennelmate Megan Keeping (pictured, red rug) looks a strong chance in race six, with No No Notorious the best in race eight.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
