Fernando Bale is fighting fit for his potentially record-breaking run at The Meadows on Saturday but George Dailly admits he does have one concern about his kennel superstar.
The gun Victorian (pictured) is aiming for an incredible 17th consecutive TAB-level victory when he jumps from box six in the fourth Group 1 Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic semi-final (race eight, 525m) at The Meadows.
‘Flying Fernando’ has captured the attention of racing fans across Australia after capturing six Group titles already this year, but was less impressive than usual in last week’s heats.
He was slow leaving the boxes and had to work around the rest before eventually winning by four lengths and securing his 24th triumph in 29 starts.
“We’re not sure what happened,” Dailly said.
“Normally two seconds before the lure gets to the boxes he is ready to go like a rocket, but last week he started like he was at a picnic.
"We checked his form and this has happened to him before at The Meadows. Maybe he cannot hear the lure there or something like that.
“I don’t think it does greyhounds any harm to miss the kick and have to work their way through the field, but it is something we’ll keep an eye on.”
Despite that slow start last week and his busy 2015 so far, Dailly refuted any suggestions that his superstar greyhound may be tired.
“It’s natural that some days he may not be quite as sharp,” Dailly said.
“When you are 18 you can play three games of footy a day. When you get a little older, maybe you’re not so keen to get out of bed.
“He’s in great shape and jumping out of his skin.”
Dailly also said that the kennel was putting the prospect of Fernando Bale breaking NSW star Miss Elly Mint’s record of 16 consecutive TAB victories to one side.
“It’s not an issue for us,” he said.
“At the end of the day, it’s our job to have him prepared as well as we can, whether he has won five, six or 100 races.
“You just hope he stays fit and well and continues to win, whatever the numbers are.”
Some of Australia’s best greyhounds will feature in the four semi-finals of the $100,000-to-the-winner series.
Fernando Bale’s kennelmate Dyna Double One (box seven) ran a brilliant 29.56 last week and looks the pick in the first semi-final.
Exciting Queensland contender Pop the CORK clocked 29.66 last week from box eight and has the pink rug again in the second semi-final.
What’s Chewing scored a terrific 13-length win in last week’s heats and looks the best bet from box four.
Anyone looking for some value for the series could try Hogganaught, who jumps from box one in the second heat in flying form.
Racing starts at 7.17pm (local time).
For Sportsbet’s prices on Saturday night’s racing at The Meadows, click here.
