Rockhampton trainer patient with promising youngster

By Pat McLeod

Rockhampton trainer Ken Boody is playing a game of patience with promising young bitch Tijuana Twinkle.

He’s hoping some early, exciting signs come to fruition in Wednesday night’s Rockhampton Young Guns Final over 510 metres.

“She just needs to bide her time and learn her craft,” Boody said.

“I have no doubt there is ability there. She has shown really good potential since breaking in. She broke 30 seconds the first time out of the boxes up here and would be as quick as any dog that I have had.

“However, she had a couple of bad boxes early in her racing when she needed good boxes.

“She also struggled initially when competing in a full field. It is just a case of being patient with her and letting her mature as a race dog in her own time.”

Boody has two chances in Wednesday’s Young Guns - Tijuana Twinkle, who won her heat last week in a smart 29.86 seconds, and Tsu’tey, who secured a third in his second Rockhampton outing since being sent north from the Tom Tzouvelis kennel in Brisbane.

“There will be early pace from the likes of Edgewood (box seven), so Tsu’tey (box eight) will need to navigate through the field, but he does find the line well,” Boody said.

Tijuana Twinkle (box three) is one of three members of the Whiskey Riot and Butterfly Is She litter in the Final.

The litter was bred by Ken’s uncle and aunt, Michael and Amber Boody.

They have the other litter members in the Final, Jaggery (box four) and Sergeant Green (box six), as well as Out The Bottle (box one).

There are plenty of chances in the Final, including last week’s other heat winner, Christine Pollard’s Edgewood, Steve Scott’s Farmor Casual (box five), as  well as Out The Bottle.

Ken Boody also has three strong chances in the second of Wednesday night’s features, race seven, the Colleen Jackson Memorial Final over 510 metres.

He has Fancy Gift (box one), Venice Bale (box four) and Winlock All Over (box six).

“Fancy Gift has drawn perfectly and would be my best chance,” Boody said.

“Venice Bale will drop out and do her thing, while Winlock will go forward.

“It looks to be a good race without a lot of early speed.

“Black Wizard (trained by Juanita Thompson) is the danger, especially if he can replicate some of his southern form.”

Black Wizard is owned by former top Albion Park trainer Brad Mulvihill, who has returned to the industry after a lengthy break.

He bought Black Wizard from Sydney and has combined with Central Queensland trainers, Juanita and Clint Thompson.

In seven starts so far since the move north the Fernando Bale and Ferrero Miss chaser has recorded two wins and three placings.

The Thompsons also have litter sisters Rosa’s Legend and Rosa’s Routine in the Colleen Jackson Memorial Final.