The long journey to last year’s Grafton Winter Carnival was certainly worth it for Dennis Barnes and he should enjoy a fruitful trip in 2015.
Barnes, who won last year’s Trainer of the Carnival crown, has six of his promising greyhounds jumping in Monday’s heats of the Taylor Family & Clarence Valley Sheds Maiden Classic (407m), one of the headline races of the annual carnival.
Four of the pups – Nangar Star, Nangar Flame, Fancy Nangar and Nangar Doll – are from notable sire Collision and Flash Fancy, who won 13 races and was herself a daughter of the great Brett Lee.
Barnes said Nangar Star, who jumps from box two in the first heat of the $12,000-to-the-winner series, could be the best of the eye-catching bunch.
“He won his performance trial at Goulburn in May in a good time,” he said. “He looks handy.
“Their mother went to the same sire seven or eight years ago and they produced an unbelievable litter. It included Sweet Fancy and Smooth Fancy, who won 35 races between them.
“Some of these have talent, but they have to prove themselves yet. Hopefully they can do that here.”
Nangar Fox (heat four, box eight), who is out of Kinloch Brae and Fancy Perry, looks another handy newcomer for Barnes.
He enjoyed an eye-catching 22.89 debut win over the 400m at Dubbo in May.
The series, which concludes with the final on Wednesday, July 8, should be an exciting affair.
Tony Brett’s greyhounds are always contenders and Bago Bago, who jumps from box one in the fifth heat, looks no exception.
The son of former Melbourne Cup winner Dyna Tron and Smart Betsy clocked 23.10 over the 407m in a performance trial at Grafton earlier this month.
Others to watch in the series include Lorry Dryva (race one), Screen Legend (race four) and Cheeky Maxi in race eight, who have all trialled well.
Unbeaten Nangar Flash, who looks Barnes’ most promising greyhound, is also travelling to Grafton.
He has already enjoyed two Wentworth Park wins – both under 30 seconds – at Barnes is earmarking a run for him some stage during the carnival.
Barnes has driven more than 700km from his NSW Central West base at Cudal to Grafton.
He has been a regular visitor to the carnival over the last three decades with his family and said it was worth the arduous journey.
“It’s a holiday for us,” he said. “The weather is beautiful.
“I’m sat in my shorts here – I certainly wouldn’t be doing that at home now.
“I think our greyhounds thrive on getting out of the kennels and seeing the sun here.
“We’ll have to see if we can repeat last year’s success but whatever happens, it’s a good break.”
For Grafton Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
