Abela optimistic about Five-Star performance

Image credit: The Greyhound Recorder

By Isaac Murphy

It was only early April that Victorian trainer Paul Abela had Five Star running over the 500 metres at Sandown Park for the first time.

At two-years-old, the dog had show enough to persist over the sprint, but his trainer knew he was only scraping the surface of his capabilities.

Two months later, Five Star’s one of the hottest staying prospects going around, with a Group 2 and Group 3 to his name, he’s hungry for more in this week's Group 3 Super Stayers Invitational at Albion Park.

“He’s actually got to this level quicker than I thought, he was always a dog that was going to make an impact as a stayer, but I didn’t expect him to be this good at 27 months,” Abela said.

“I made a plan with the owners to step him up for the Sandown Cup and go from there and while things didn’t work for him first up, he’s been flawless winning the (Group 3) Speed Star and the (Group 2) Pink Diamond Distance since then.

“He’s always been a dog who trials the house down but was yet to put it together on race night until the Pink Diamond Final at Bendigo where he just bloused a Group 2 field.”

Abela had to get his timing right for Five Star to get a run at the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival, and the dog didn’t miss a beat progressing through his distances on the way to the 700.

“It was apparent pretty early he was going to be a stayer; he won some races at the one turn tracks and The Meadows and Sandown early in his career but as he got up in grade he was just getting knocked around,” he said.

“The first step was to get him to the 600 and he came from behind to win in good time at The Meadows at his first attempt, which was a really good sign.

“We’re blessed in Victoria to have races available over the 660 at Bendigo, 680 at Geelong and 650 at Warrnambool, he was running them out well that’s when he knew for sure he’d handle the 700.”

With the times the dog had been trialling, Abela always knew a four-dog invitational like the Super Stayers would be up Five Star’s alley, but he’d need to compete at a high level quickly to ensure a spot.

“The Super Stayers was always on the radar, I just wasn’t sure if he had time to earn himself a spot," he said. 

"Obviously coming out and winning the Speed Star which is a similar concept helped and we were rapt to get the nod.

“We’ve had to jump through a few hoops to get him here this week with the current COVID situation, but I think it’s pretty crucial he gets a look at the track before the Queensland Cup heats next week.

“I’m not saying he can’t win this week but if there’s a race he’s going to be vulnerable it’s Thursday night; first time on a plane, I’m not able to box him myself, he’s got a bit to deal with.”

Despite the difficulties in getting the dog to Albion Park this week, Abela said it’s well and truly worth it, as he shoots for a possible third Group win and a $25,000 pay day with the Queensland Cup still to come.

“We’re certainly not complaining, this week, he basically gets a trial in a four-dog field with Group 3 status, it’s the perfect lead into the Group 1 heats,” Abela said.

“I just think a dog like Sir Truculent who recently finished second to us in the Speed Star probably has a bit of an advantage having raced and won at the track before in similar company.

“I’d say I’m hopeful you’ll see the real Five Star this week, but I’m confident you’ll see him at his absolute best the following two weeks when I’m able to get up there with him.”