Frank Jamieson still bears the scars of a recent brush with death and is hoping Head Shy can provide him with the perfect tonic in tonight's Group 2 Woy Woy Poultry Supplies Gosford Cup (515m).
Head Shy jumps from box three in the $40,000-to-the-winner race fresh from his super victory as a $32.50 shot in last Sunday’s heats.
Owner-trainer Jamieson will be watching the race from his NSW Northern Rivers base, having been badly injured in a car crash last month while returning from races.
The 72-year-old, who suffered broken ribs, cuts and bruises in the accident, will be happy to watch the big race from his armchair.
“At my age, just to survive the accident was a miracle,” he said. “It’s incredible I’m still here.
“It certainly makes you appreciate every day.
“It’s still uncomfortable for me driving long distances, so I’ll stay at home again this week.
“I screamed the house down watching him race (last Sunday) and I’ll probably do so again this time.”
Last Sunday’s 29.65 win extended Head Shy’s record to 14 wins and 11 minor placings from 37 starts.
He has won on his last three visits to Gosford and looks ideally drawn, having won all five of his previous starts wearing the white rug.
“He’s up against some classy greyhounds here, but I am optimistic,” Jamieson said.
“If it’s similar conditions then I think he can go a tenth of a second quicker which may be good enough to win.
“His last couple of starts have been excellent (and) he is such a trier. He does his best every time and you can’t ask for more.”
A win in the Gosford Cup would be a first Group win for Jamieson, who has been training for about 20 years.
“He’s the best greyhound I’ve had,” Jamieson said. “I bred him too, which makes his achievements even more satisfying.
“Having one like him makes everything worthwhile and it’s the biggest buzz I’ve had.
“It’s wonderful to see him in this company and I think he has a chance.”
Fastest qualifier CASH In Motion ran 29.39 from box eight in the heats and will start the decider from her favourite box one.
She has won five of her previous six starts from box one and ran a sizzling 4.40 first sectional in her heat.
Second fastest qualifier Knight Sprite (box seven) looks to have drawn well and loves Gosford, having won four of her five previous visits to the NSW Central Coast track.
Smart Missile (box two) is a classy performer from the gun Jason Mackay kennel and also looks handily drawn, having won two of his three previous starts with the checks.
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Group 2 Woy Woy Poultry Supplies Gosford Cup Box Draw: 1. CASH in Motion 2. Smart Missile 3. Head Shy 4. Black Frenzy 5. Mitcharlie Mia 6. Irish Gangster 7. Knight Sprite 8. Eva Diva.
