Lord Golec will have a soccer star cheering him on in this Saturday’s NSW Distance Final (720m) and trainer Michael Eberand hopes his greyhound can score a victory in the decider.
The consistent son of Bekim Bale and Ebby Miss, who has won or placed in each of his last 14 starts, jumps from box one at Wentworth Park looking a decent chance to earn a place in the forthcoming Group 1 National Distance Championship.
Lord Golec finished third in last Saturday’s heats behind winner Magic Earner and Raramuri, but did clock his best 720m time so far of 42.34 in the process.
He was named by Eberand’s son Bradley in honour of the former Western Sydney Wanderers and current Perth Glory defender Antony Golec, who seems a keen fan of his namesake.
“Bradley is a mad Wanderers fan,” Eberand senior said. “Golec had a big following with the Wanderers fans, so that’s why we named (the greyhound) after him.
“I think Antony has touched base with Bradley on Facebook and he’s been following our progress.
“Lord Golec has had trouble with Wentworth Park. He has been running off the corners.
“If he can adapt to the track, he is capable of running quicker than 42 seconds.
“If he does that on Saturday, you never know.”
Lord Golec was within three lengths of Anthony Azzopardi's Magic Earner last Saturday, with the run extending his record to five wins and 10 minor placings from 18 starts.
Magic Earner (box two) has won three of his last four and looks capable of running sub-42 seconds this week.
Evidence (box six) scored a terrific 42.29 win in the other heat, which was the Mark Bell-trained greyhound’s debut run over this distance.
He is a class performer and is in great form, so must be considered.
Lithgow Panther (box four) looks the biggest threat to Magic Earner on paper, but there is a question mark concerning his ability to outlast the best here.
He is a class performer and has recorded three terrific wins over the 720m since stepping up from the middle distances, but may not be quite strong enough to hold off Magic Earner.
Smooth Number, Ada Mary, Booster Valve and Raramuri complete the field.
Whatever happens this Saturday, Eberand hopes his greyhounds can become regular contestants for the prominent stayer titles.
“It was my intention to breed a stayer,” the western Sydney trainer said. “That’s why I chose Bekim Bale – the best producer of stayers.
“I think the USA bloodlines will produce the next generation of stayers for us.
“The stayers’ ranks are a little weak at the moment but I think there’s huge interest in (them). Look at (stayers like) Sweet it Is - she is immensely popular.
“Whatever happens, though, I hope Lord Golec comes through safely here and runs well.”
The winner will earn a place in the $75,000-to-the-winner Group 1 National Distance final at Wentworth Park on Saturday, August 22.
The likes of Victorians Sweet It Is and Lady Toy have already booked their places in the National decider.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
NSW Distance Final (720m) Box Draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Lord Golec ($6); 2. Magic Earner ($2.10); 3.Ada Mary ($12) 4. Lithgow Panther ($5); 5. Booster Valve ($34); 6. Evidence ($4.80); 7. Smooth Number ($7.50); 8. Raramuri ($31). 1R: Paddles Anderson, 2R: Flamin' Go.
Prices correct at time of writing.
