It’s an old saying in life, just as it is in racing … “You’ve got to be in it, to win it.”
And while many have already written off Tom Roche’s chance of winning tonight’s Group 2 Sires On Ice Black Top at LADBROKES GARDENS, before a runner is even boxed, he is “in it” so that means, despite the sceptics and the long odds, his bitch Kiarni Velvet can win it.
Kiarni Velvet (pictured in the six rug) showed last week in the heats of the Black Top, when very few gave her a chance, that she could prove people – and punters – wrong, leading most of the way at $34, to win in 29.51s, and book her spot in tonight’s final.
“I was surprised, especially at the time she ran. I was shocked, but I was happy. It was unbelievable,” said Roche.
“This is my first group finalist. I got started in the sport back in the early 1970s, and spent about 15 years in greyhound racing, but - just one of those things – I dropped out. I only got back into it two or three years ago when I got the bug back, and I managed to have a good litter.
“There were six in the litter by Dyna Double One out of Tigress Ally, and she is one of the picks. There is actually three going exceptionally well form the litter. Kiarni Tiger, he’s won three out his last four down in to Victoria, and another one called One for Tod which has won 14 out 31 starts, and then of course Velvet, who has seven out of 19 starts.”
Home for Roche is Kew, on the Mid North Coast of NSW between Taree and Port Macquarie.
“I do a bit of travelling but I mainly like racing at the Gardens and Maitland and up north,” he explained.
“Back in the day I had a property at Londonderry. I had a few businesses in that area back then and every second person around there had dogs … and that’s how I got into it.
“I was out for a while, but I’m glad I’m back into it now. I’m really enjoying it and having my first Group runner is really exciting.”
Favourites for the $40,000 to the winner event are JODIE Lagogiane’s Set the Storm, a brilliant winner in 29.27s last Friday, and Jason MACKAY’s Zipping Tayla which has the rails draw, and is coming off a 29.39s heat performance, but, like Set To Storm, also has 29.27s effort to her credit back in June.
MACKAY, who also has True talent in box three, is chasing his third win in the Black Top, having won with Snozz back in 2010 and last year with Mister Twister.
“There’s a hell of a lot of good dogs in that race, every single one has ability,” said Roche. “I’m just keeping my fingers crossed and hope for the best. But, we’re in it ….”
Which means they can win it.
