By Jordan Gerrans
The Sunshine State has been a happy hunting ground for Victorian trainer David Burnett over his illustrious career and he heads north again this week chasing more Queensland carnival riches.
The Geelong-based Burnett makes the journey to Brisbane with Gold Bullion aspirant Boo Boo Billy.
Boo Boo Billy – a winner of seven from 22 – does not yet go close to having the resume of dogs Burnett has headed to Queensland with in previous trips, such as champions like Kiss Me Ketut and Simon Told Helen.
But, the experienced dog man is optimistic a sojourn to Albion Park could just be the making of the son of Barcia Bale.
Boo Boo Billy has drawn the three alley in the last of five Group 1 Gold Bullion heats set to be contested at Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club on Thursday evening.
The black dog won in 25.49 seconds around Geelong’s 460 metre circuit 10 days ago, filling Burnett with confidence his chaser would be competitive in the rich northern series.
“He has not got to that level yet but he has shown signs of ability to be able to get to a higher level,” the top trainer said.
“If you don’t give them the opportunity then they will not get there.
“He ran a couple of nice races at Sandown before the Melbourne Cup heats and he ran a good time at Geelong last start.
“Those times warrant him getting a chance in this race.”
The Victorian trainer has fond memories of Albion Park.
He won the Group 1 Brisbane Cup of 2013 with retired star Kiss Me Ketut, before returning the following year to run third as the kennel chased the race in back-to-back years.
Simon Told Helen started as the favourite in the 2020 edition of the Brisbane Cup but had to settle for sixth behind fellow Victorian Black Opium.
However, Simon Told Helen did claim the Group 2 Queensland Derby the year before.
Snags Mckenzie and Onions O'Reilly have also ventured north under the Burnett banner in recent times.
While Burnett enjoys the time away on a person level, he views it is a “business trip” away for his dogs.
“There is that opportunity to win bigger races when you travel away like this to Queensland,” he said.
“It is something that I have done once a year over the last 10-15 years.
“I take the opportunity to spend a few days in Brisbane while you are there, it is a good chance to get away.
“It tests the dog to see if they have the ability to travel.”
Burnett – who also owns the Gold Bullion heat runner – was due to fly into Brisbane on Wednesday evening for the following days heat.
He wanted to give Boo Boo Billy a trial around the Brisbane facility on Sunday but ran into complications with his flight and did not make it to Queensland.
Instead, he trialled at Sandown.