Jay Schafer's chaser racing to her potential in Townsville

By Pat McLeod

North Queensland trainer Jay Schafer believes Canya Scarlet’s potential will soon blossom, hopefully as early as Tuesday night’s Townsville program.

The experienced conditioner has no doubt his Fernando Bale and Sandave Sky bitch can develop into an excellent chaser based on performances so far at home and away.

“I bought ‘Scarlet’ as a break-in and she has turned out to be alright, but I think her best is yet to come,” Schafer says.

“I reckon she could be a very good 600 metre dog. (Local trainer) Brad Belford took her to Brisbane when he went down there and she won a couple with him. Brad has returned now and is back with me."

The change down in Brisbane did her the world of good, Schafer says. 

“She ran some really good times. She is a very consistent bitch," Schafer said. 

“I believe there is improvement in her. She seems to have a flat spot down the back straight in Townsville, over the 498 metres, but after that she really gets going.

“She can run 28.70 seconds (over 498 metres) every day of the week. She is a very small dog, just 23kgs and needs a clear run.

“On Tuesday night she comes out of the five box and that doesn't do her any favours."

If she can jump to the lead and get on the bunny, Schafer says there are not many who can get around her.

“When she does that and is on that bunny, she is a different dog," the trainer said. 

“So that is definitely the hope on Tuesday night, getting to the front early and racing clear. She needs to be out in front to be at her best.”

Schafer says the biggest danger in Tuesday night’s event is Brad Belford's Ashy Bear (box one).

“Ashy Bear has drawn where she wants to be and will probably lead,” Schafer said.

“Tony Parker’s Maisie Moo Moo (box four) is also a very good dog.”

Schafer, who is based at Rangewood, just on the western outskirts of Townsville, says Canya Scarlet is the best of his chances on Tuesday night.

He does have a lot of time for his lightly-raced Madeline Rupee, who is drawn in the pink box in race one, also over the 498 metres. 

“She is a very smart dog but unfortunately she isn't drawn very well and there is a very smart dog in the seven, Gary Ferrell’s Federal Bullet,” he said.

“This is a very hard race. Madeline Rupee has just had the 10 starts and has won four. She is a genuine stayer this one.

“It is early days for her and she hasn't really clicked yet, but I think she could be a very good dog."

Madeline Rupee is from a very good Aston Rupee and Blazing Cartier litter which includes the Sydney-based Winifred Nora, who ran third in the recent Brisbane Winter Carnival’s Origin Greyhound Series Distance Final.

Schafer also has Project Alice (box one) in race four, over 498 metres. 

“Project Alice is just a genuine earner, a fantastic bread-and-butter dog that every kennel needs,” he said.

“She seldom misses a place, but needs to get to the lead early to be at her best.”