He may be a "crazy fellow", but Elusive Desire may be about to make owner-trainer Colin Graham’s dreams come true.
The in-form sprinter (pictured, green rug) faces a top-class field in tonight’s $50,000-to-the-winner Group 2 Glen Gallon @Stud Queensland Derby (520m) at Brisbane’s Albion Park.
This is a first Group final for grandfather Graham and his biggest race in nearly 50 years of working with greyhounds.
Elusive Desire may be a real handful to handle – but the 61-year-old would not have things any other way.
“Will I get a smart haircut for the night?” Graham, who works out of the tiny NSW Northern Rivers base of Wiangaree, said. “I haven’t much hair left thanks to him.
“He’s the craziest dog I have trained in my life.
“I’ve covered up all my car windows because he barks at everything on the drive. Everywhere he goes he plays up in the kennels as well.
“He has won $28,000 so far, though, so all’s forgiven.
“He’s a crazy fellow but I love him.”
Elusive Desire qualified after finishing second in last week’s heats behind gun Victorian Dyna Villa.
Graham’s charge is in great form, though, with six wins and five minor placings from his last 12 starts.
Elusive Desire needs to start quickly here from box seven but Graham believes his charge is a roughie chance.
“He isn’t boxed badly,” Graham said.
“He doesn’t begin well. If he did, I always thought he could race 29.70, which is what he needs here.
“Just to run second to a greyhound like Dyna Villa was fantastic. It’s such a thrill to be in a race like this.
“One thing about Elusive Desire is that he’ll try his heart out. Even on our straight (at home) he goes 100mph.
“I’m not expecting too much – but you never know in racing.”
Top NSW newcomer No Donuts looks a great chance from box one.
Dyna Villa has box two, with recent Group 2 Richmond Derby winner Quasi Bale in box five.
Married father-of-two Graham was introduced to the sport by his cousin Ronnie Brown in the early 1970s.
He has enjoyed success in recent years with Miss Hanify, who had 12 wins, and her various offspring.
“Racing gets in your blood,” Graham, who has one grandchild, said. “I know blokes who’ve given it up, gone to live by the beach – and six months later they’re back into it.
“Elusive Desire’s a handful but I love greyhounds. They are so good-natured.
“Mine only get the best from me – I make sure of that.
“To take them from pups, rear them and eventually see them win is the best feeling.”
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: Pacfic Harbour.
