For Mark Beagan, there was only one way to describe qualifying for this Saturday’s Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg semi-finals.
“Mate, I’m living the dream,” the Hunter Valley mentor said.
Beagan, who combines mentoring with running a bricklaying business, is one race away from earning a shot at the $250,000 top prize after his greyhound Srixon made it through to Saturday’s semi-finals at Wentworth Park.
Srixon earned his semi final spot after he finished second behind dominant heat winner Falcon’s Fury – and left Beagan with one of the biggest grins at Wentworth Park.
“I can’t believe it. Watching him finish ahead of greyhounds like (Group 1 champion) Aqua Cheetah - it was just incredible,” he said.
“To be in contention for a Golden Easter Egg after only being a trainer for four years – it’s unbelievable.”
A finalist in last year’s Group 1 Vic Peters Classic, Srixon has now placed in each of his last four starts.
“He finished third at Richmond two starts back in a really top-quality race, so he can match these quality greyhounds,” Beagan said.
“All my family and friends love him and they are such a great support. People at work ask me how he’s doing and cheer him on watching on the TV.
“I’m not saying he’ll win, but he’s in there and he’s in with a chance.
“However he does in the semi-finals, he’s a champion for us.”
Fellow backyard trainer Rodney O’Brien (pictured), who is located in Blacktown, will also return to Wentworth Park for the four semi-finals after greyhound She’s Grand qualifying after finishing third in her heat.
Falcon’s Fury, trained by Paul Braddon at Cowra, will likely be well-backed for the semi-finals after his devastating 29.71 heat win.
Victorian greyhound Striker Light clocked the fastest qualifying time of 29.67 and will be incredibly tough to stop if she gets an inside draw in the semi-finals.
Nangar Bear, from the renowned NSW Central West kennel of Dennis Barnes, clocked 29.71 in winning his heat last Saturday night and also looks primed to earn a spot in next Saturday’s night decider.
Up Hill Jill was almost as impressive in her 29.82 triumph and has now now scored two victories and a placing in her three visits to Wentworth Park.
Ando’s Mac, Australia’s top current greyhound with more than $600,00 prizemoney to his name, qualified second in his heat behind winner Royal Turbo and will also feature in this semi-final.
NSW duo Mack Tux and Wicked Warrior also qualified as heat winners along with Topper Teretto, who looks a big chance for star Victorian mentor Anthony Azzopardi.
Box draws for the Golden Easter Egg semi-finals will be released on Tuesday.
For more on the Golden Easter Egg heat winners, click here.
