Trainer looking for Reconstruction’s improved beginning

By Josh Spasaro

Jeff Cumming was impressed with Reconstruction’s big win last start, but he knows he needs to begin better at Capalaba this Sunday.

That is when his two-year-old will line up over 366 metres, which will be race eight on the program at 2.19pm.

Reconstruction won last Sunday by a convincing four-and-three-quarter lengths, crossing the line in 20.07 seconds, and he has saluted in four of his past five starts.

But, in his second start for Cumming, the physically blessed chaser was slow out of the boxes last Sunday.

“He is a very strong dog. But, if he gets behind them, it’s a step up this week. So, they mightn’t be so easy to pass,” the Wolffdene trainer said.

Reconstruction already has five wins from just 11 starts, so his future could indeed be a bright one, particularly if he can learn to start better.

But, Cumming said rather than work hard on an immediate fix in trying to correct his chaser’s box manners, being patient with him would be a more sensible approach.

“So far, so good. But, again, he’s got some things going against him. He’s not the greatest box dog, which will take its toll eventually,” he said.

“He can’t go running down dogs like he did last week. You hope that it improves with maturity.”

This Sunday will be the third start Reconstruction will have for Cumming.

He was sent up to Queensland by Victorian trainer James Shaw.

“I’ve trained a couple of dogs for him up here in the past,” Cumming said.

Reconstruction is by Fernando Bale and out of Barcia Bale bitch Mepunga Spectre, who recorded 13 wins from 44 starts.

Along with an impressive physical frame, he inherited a calm demeanour from his dam and sire.

“He’s a nice, relaxed sort of dog. He’s not too over the top, which is definitely a bonus,” Cumming said.

Reconstruction drew box seven for Sunday’s race, which is worth $3,700, and Cumming was pleased with that result.

His chaser won last week from box one, but in his first Capalaba start he saluted from box eight on July 27.

“I think he’s well boxed where he is,” Cumming said.

“From what I’ve been able to ascertain so far, yes (he likes outside lanes). He seems more comfortable there, but he can be a little bit tardy.

“So, it’ll be harder against those dogs.”

Mr. O’Malley crossed the line in 20.03 seconds last week and he will line up inside Reconstruction from box six in this Sunday's event.