‘Second choice’ females take Maroon never-say-die spirit to the Nationals

By Pat McLeod

They may not have been the punters’ first choice, but tenacious females Days Of Thunder and Bear’s Bullet will take their own brand of the Maroon never-say-die spirit into the Nationals.

Both were relentless in taking out the Queensland distance and sprint titles respectively at Albion Park on Thursday night and will now advance to the Group 1 Nationals Finals at The Meadows on August 26.

For the amazing ‘White Wonder’, Days Of Thunder (trained by Warren Nicholls), this will be back-to-back Nationals after finishing unplaced in the distance race at Wentworth Park last year.

While Bear’s Bullet (Travis Elson) achieved what most thought was close to impossible, dethroning the ‘King of The Creek’, Selena Zammit’s Jay Is Jay.

The track record holder started at $1.40 favourite and appeared unbeatable from the red box.

But, the greyhound gods did not smile on Jay Is Jay.

Days Of Thunder’s Nationals campaign takes on even greater significance with the unflappable Nicholls hinting that this may be the Queensland distance matriarch’s farewell to the track.

“Retirement after her run at the Nationals is a distinct possibility,” Nicholls said.

The 'White Wonder' ($4) won with her trademark sizzling finish over Select Moment (Gary Mackay) and Bogie Hurricane (Ryan Ayre), with $3.70 favourite Blue Hornet (Ray Burman) finishing fifth.

“We would love to see her go out on a high as she deserves to,' Nicholls said. 

“So, it will be interesting to see how she performs at The Meadows and how we feel after that. There is no way we would let her go on too long. Her career to date has been exciting and I have no doubt the next phase of her career, as a mum, will be just as exciting.”

Owner Clint Gill also referred to the breeding barn after the win.

“I am hoping to keep all of her pups when they come along, so I have put a bit of money aside for that,” Gill said.

“When I bought her, I spent a lot of time looking into bloodlines instead of just hoping for the best. And, was prepared to pay the money ($7000) for her. She comes from good lines (Fernando Bale - Melissa's Pride) and I picked her and her brother.

“Her brother never made it to the track and he went to the adoption program and I ended up with this, the White Wonder. Her race pattern (always trailing off before flying home late), it was frustrating for me at the start, but then I have become settled with the fact that is just the way she races.

“I have accepted that and she just needs the gaps. I believe she is one of the strongest stayers in the country. To go back-to-back in the Nationals is so special. It is amazing.”

Nicholls was ‘rapt’, but measured after the win.

“I never say that I have been surprised after one of her wins,” Nicholls said.

“I know what she can do, so I am never surprised. She has been running home super of late. She got the breaks and was also up closer.

“There was a lot of early speed in the race, which suited her. She didn't get chopped out early and so it all worked in her favour.

"To go back-to-back in the Nationals is incredible, something that I would never have dreamt would happen. We have never had much luck with her when we have taken her away. But, we will give her a little time down there and take her down early.”

Elson is also planning an early trip to Melbourne after what he describes as a ‘surprise win’ in the state sprint Final, with Selena Zammit’s All Natural second and Gary Mackay’s Fernando Grand third.

“The win may have been a surprise, but the run of Bear’s Bullet certainly wasn't,” Elson said.

“You know that she will just keep trying, that is just her. She has got good box speed and hopefully she will go alright in Melbourne because that is where we are off to now. Obviously I hadn't planned on being in Melbourne.

“Jay Is Jay was a very appropriate $1.30 and everyone's tip for the race. I was looking at running hopefully second and then heading up to Townsville for the Cup meeting there.

“So now I have to start planning for the Nationals Final. I am a big believer that it is such a big and special race that we will give her every opportunity, give her every chance.

“That means giving her a trial there. But, that hadn't been a part of the thought process until now. The Nationals was just a throw at the stumps. Then to win the heat and win the (state) Final, so now I have to get planning and get down there."

Elson said his dog is tenacious and she just doesn't give up.

"If she doesn't win she still runs in the top four so often. She is racing the top dogs now and holding her own," Elson said. 

“The times may not be there, but when she gets clear she can run time. She won't run a track record time, but she will run a decent time and say, ‘Hey catch me if you can’. She is only 28 months old, only a baby.

“She is just a surprise packet. She just keeps improving.”

Northern NSW trainer Col Graham showcased what a special litter he has coming through in taking out the opening two races on Thursday night’s program at Albion Park.

Hooked On Scotch - Distant Star litter mates King Of Aces (race one) and Loving Smile (race two) both showed plenty of class with comprehensive wins.

“Yes, I am over the moon with this litter,” Graham said after race two.

"King Of Aces is probably the pick of them, but they are all quite smart. This little girl (Loving Smile) went very well.

“We bought the mother, Distant Star and her and her litter sister, Inspire Us, when they had won one race each down in Victoria. We paid $5,000 each for them. They were almost give-aways.

“Distant Star won 17 races and the sister won 23. Distant Star has another litter by Aston Rupee at home and they are about eight months old.

“And, Inspire Us also has a litter that is about 10 months old by Flying Ricciardo. They are all very good pups.”

Brisbane trainer Jedda Cutlack continued her sensational form at 'The Creek' with a treble on Thursday night.

Cutlack's Mia Magic won by nine-and-a-half lengths as did the well-credentialled Tungsten Miss in a 520 metre masters race, before Lily Monelli saluted later in the night.