He may be facing the likes of Dyna Villa and No Donuts but Don’t Go Quietly could give Pamela Field the best night of her long training career in Thursday’s Group 2 Glen Gallon @ Stud Queensland Derby decider (520m).
The in-form sprinter, who has won his last three races in eye-catching times, will jump from box four in a high-quality $50,000-to-the-winner final at Albion Park.
This would be a first Group victory for owner-trainer Field, who has been training for four decades alongside husband John.
Don’t Go Quietly was tough to handle early in his career but has now settled into solid form and looks a strong contender here.
“He has started to calm down,” Field said. ‘He used to get very anxious and would pull very hard.
“He is a powerful dog – 36 kilos – so he was a real handful, but he is settling down now.
“His start last week was absolutely tremendous. “He was up and down in the boxes but timed his exit exactly right.
“If he can do the same this week, he will have a chance.”
Click here to watch Don’t Go Quietly’s win in last week’s heat.
Last week’s impressive heat win took Don’t Go Quietly’s record to seven victories and 16 minor placings from 29 starts.
He is a son of 2012 NSW Greyhound of the Year Oaks Road and Mercy Road, who made two Group 1 finals for the Fields.
Don’t Go Quietly ran a solid 29.96 over the 520m at Albion Park two starts back and also has a decent record from box four.
“He would be better from the rail but I’m not ruling him out,” Field said.
“He looks absolutely fabulous – they won’t beat him for looks – and he’s in great shape for this.
“We don’t have huge expectations but you’ve got to be in it to win it.”
Star Victorian Dyna Villa (box two, pictured) will start favourite after returning to top form with a scintillating 29.68 heat run.
No Donuts looks a potential future Group winner and looks ideally drawn in box one to threaten.
Peter Ruetschi’s kennel is flying at the moment and his charge Bago Kysam looks a decent roughie from box six.
The Fields are based at Logan in south-east Queensland and currently have greyhounds in work.
“I just think greyhounds are wonderful animals,” Pamela Field said. “They are so good-natured and all have their different personalities.
“I think when you have bred a greyhound and you get a win, it’s a real sense of satisfaction.
“I was elated to make the final and I’m very excited for this one.”
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Queensland Derby Box Draw: 1. No Donuts 2. Dyna Villa 3. Fabulous Storm 4. Don't Go Quietly 5. Quasi Bale 6. Bago Kysam 7. Elusive Desire 8. Up the Attitude. 1R: Dawkins Bale, 2R: Pacific Harbour.
