Mentor’s message the perfect ‘prep’ for young trainer

By Pat McLeod

There was a brief message on Martina Kirillidis’ phone last Thursday night that means as much as her three-pronged attack on Group glory at The Q this Thursday night.

The message simply read: “Hey kiddo, I am proud of you.”

It came from successful Victorian trainer, and Kirillidis’ mentor, David Burnett, who owns and trains top-class performer Warm Cockles.

Warm Cockles is one of the three Group hopes she will guide on Thursday night.

As the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival steps up a gear, the Churchable-based conditioner will campaign Warm Cockles in the Group 2 Cyndie’s Magic Final as well as West On Boonie and Romantic Red in the Dashing Corsair Final, on the Q1 Lakeside track.

While all three quality chasers - and Red Dirt Road, who will contest the Dashing Corsair for her partner Tim Britton - will receive her meticulous attention, there is a hefty sentimental weight surrounding Warm Cockles.

“That dog (Warm Cockles) would have been born while I was at David’s kennels,” the 25-year-old said.

Kirillidis is a key part of the Britton family kennel expansion into Queensland.

“That is where my journey in greyhound racing started, when I was 18. David is the trainer who is responsible for that start and is someone who remains special in my life," she said. 

“He has been and still is an amazing mentor for me. I still call him whenever I need to, whenever I have to bug him with a question. And, that is regarding dogs or any life advice in general.

“He is somebody that I have always been able to lean on when needed and he taught me so much. The fact that he has sent this dog (Warm Cockles) to me now is so special. It is an indication of how far I have come since I started with him several years ago.

“Having the dog born when I was at his kennels and now years later for David to send the dog into my care, racing up here, to have this trust in me, is special. That is a huge sentimental aspect for me.

“He is the sort of person who will contact me and congratulate me if he thinks I am going well.

“When Warm Cockles won the heat last week, I looked at my phone straight after that heat because I was about to give him a call, but he had already sent me a message saying: “Hey kiddo, I am proud of you.” That meant a lot.”

Sentiment aside, Kirillidis believes the experienced sprinter has the ability, and current form, to claim top honours in Thursday night’s $75,000-to-the-winner feature.

“Warm Cockles has made a few Group 1 Finals now, including one up here, (placing fifth in the Gold Bullion Final at Albion Park in late January)," Kirillidis said. 

“He still has plenty left in the tank and has trialed very well at The Q. I believe he is still peaking. He can really ping the lids. So hopefully he might be able to get out in front and hold them off.

“David (Burnett) has mainly left the preparation of the dog up to me. I know how he runs his kennel and how he likes to work his dogs, so that is what I'm doing.”

Kirillidis said there were winning chances coming from every box in both Group features on Thursday night but pointed to Jason Thompson’s proven Group star Tim Zoo as the obvious threat in the Cyndie’s Magic Final.

In the Dashing Corsair Final, she believes the main dangers to her two will be kennelmate Red Dirt Road, as well as Tom Tzouvelis’ Autumn Storm and Tony Brett’s Gully Girl.

West On Boonie and Romantic Red are also carnival visitors and Kirillidis says they have all settled in well.

The stakes may be high, but Kirillidis says the fact they are in charge of greyhounds from competing kennels isn’t an issue for her and partner, Tim Britton.

“There is a little bit of friendly competition, but nothing too serious,” she laughs.

“Tim and my relationship doesn't change despite the pressure of having runners in the same race.

“We are both excited and just trying to find those couple of moments to relax during this very busy time. We will be happy with a result that features any of dogs across the Finals.”