By Jordan Gerrans
When Mitchell Northfield looks back on the career of Kooringa Lucy, he cant help but wonder what might have been if she found a bit more luck when it mattered most.
Nearing four years of age and having accrued almost $200,000 in prize money from 33 victories, the black and white bitch has certainly been an excellent dog over the years for the Dobies Bight-based kennel.
But what has eluded Kooringa Lucy is a big Group victory on her resume, going so close on several occasions, without drawing the right box or having a perfect run to finally breakthrough.
Northfield is optimistic she finally gets her chance in the Group 3 $60,000 Golden Ticket next Thursday evening at Albion Park.
The NSW-based trainer, who is a plasterer by trade, was a little disappointed with Kooringa Lucy’s run in Thursday evening’s heat – running second to Impact – but feels she will be better placed in next Thursday’s match race against Little Byrnes.
Northfield believes the format of a match race, where Kooringa Lucy jumps from box one and Little Byrnes from three, will suit his bitch, giving her a clean path into the event.
“With Little Byrnes, I do not think the box draw really matters as I imagine Little Byrnes will lead clearly,” Northfield said.
“He is a consistent little dog; he is pretty good early.
“I think Lucy should be able to run her down, it will just depend on how long it takes.
“I think these match races are good once a year.
“Match races give dogs from the back a much better chance of winning, they are usually jostling around amongst them, this sort of racing gives them a chance.”
The daughter of Fernando Bale is set to come on season in March of this year and while she has been sound for much of her career, Northfield expects her racing days could come to an end around then.
Northfield, who has six dogs in his kennel – four racing and two pups - laments the lack of luck Kooringa Lucy has received on the big stage across her career.
