Heddles’ ‘Bad Boy’ is a young gun with Capalaba Cup hopes

By Pat McLeod

Dyllan Heddles’ biggest indicator to a lucrative Capalaba Cup campaign arrives on Sunday in the Final of the Capalaba Young Guns. 

Heddles has heat winner Bad Boy Wilson jumping from box five and Bad Boy Elvis lurking as first reserve in the decider.

“I think this will be a pretty good race,” the young trainer said.

“Bad Boy Wilson is going really well for where he is at. He is only 21 months old and is an incredible dog. I believe he still has a bit more to show and he's still learning.

“After another 10 to 20 starts I will be keen to see what he has done then. He's certainly keeping me interested.

“I was very happy with last Sunday’s run (19.49 seconds). Although he has gone slightly quicker at Capalaba (19.48 seconds), I believe the run on Sunday was his best run there.

“I took him to Albion the previous Monday and in hindsight I probably should have just kept him on the straight, because I think he would have gone even quicker.

“The way he came out on Sunday, he went across a little bit whereas normally he goes straight. I think he can go quicker on Sunday.”

Bad Boy Wilson is boxed beside another heat winner, Greg Stella’s very slick Traditional (box six), who posted a 19.46 second person best on Sunday.

“Having the two side-by-side will also be interesting,” Heddles said.

“Our middle sectional was quicker on Sunday, whereas Traditional came home slightly better. I don't think the box will bother my dog. He should go straight from the five.

“Bad Boy Wilson has been getting out of the box really well and hopefully he'll do the same on Sunday. I am hoping he can start well enough to get a break on Greg’s dog and come home even better.

“I believe that at some stage Bad Boy Wilson can get below 19.40 seconds. Greg’s dog is a quick dog with a lot of ability and he is not the only threat in the race.”

Heddles said Bad Boy Wilson (10 starts for six wins and a third) would continue to campaign at the boutique straight track with the aim, a shot at the Capalaba Cup (heats on September 29 before Final on October 6).

“Depending on Sunday we will have a go at the Capalaba Cup. Why not?” Heddles says.

“And, then we will look at the Capalaba Derby (Final on November 10).

“I have kept him up the straight because he has been going well there and it is such great education for a young dog. He is a 34-35kg dog. As much as he does go well on the circle, in a full field on the circle it is a bit awkward for him being so big.

“There is no doubt we will eventually take him back to the circle and he will be a more mature race dog by then. The money is so good at Capalaba. $75,000 to the Cup winner.

“His statistics are also pretty good. On two occasions he has gone quicker than Valhalla has on the same day at Capalaba. I am certainly not saying he is as good as Valhalla, who is a champion. But, it is a great comparison to have.

“Bad Boy Wilson may have only had the 10 starts, but he is doing well, posting good times. I believe he can go quicker, so, as I said, why not have a crack at the Cup.”

The 32-year-old Heddles, who works as fitter and turner, has been around greyhounds all his life.

His father, Jim Heddles, has been involved in the sport for over 50 years.

“Greyhounds have always been part of my life,” Dyllan Heddles said.

“I was working at the Capalaba track when I was 15. I love the place. My dad and I are just small fish in a big pond, but it is great to have his experience with me.

“We just have a couple of dogs and if we can turn up and be competitive, then that is all we are trying to achieve. It is a great time to be involved in greyhound racing, and I think the hobby trainer certainly adds something to the industry.”