Kuhn’s ‘family dog’ ready to thrill again at Capalaba

By Pat McLeod

Bundaberg trainer John Kuhn is unsure about the final result but knows ‘family dog’ Too Much Scotch will give his clan reason to stand and cheer at Capalaba on Sunday.

Lining up for his 72^nd start from box four in a heat of the Anniversary Cup at the boutique Brisbane straight track, the veteran chaser faces some tough opposition to progress.

“This is a hard race and my bloke is not getting and younger,” explains Kuhn matter-of-factly.

“But, this dog does start well, he will be trying his heart out and you can’t ask for more than that.

“I am pretty sure the family will be up and cheering early on in the race.”

And, that is because Too Much Scotch truly is the family dog. 

The 10-member ownership syndicate - ‘Kuhn’s Family’ – are all related.

“There’s my mum, brothers, sisters, in-laws – all family members,” he said.

“When I bred this litter (Hooked On Scotch and Miss Emmy), the family decided that it was about time they all came into a dog.

“He (Too much Scotch) was the biggest of the litter and so that is the one I decided should be the ‘family dog’. And, he has been such a thrill for them.

“Of his 71 starts he has won 15 and placed plenty of times (19), so right from the start he won a few races.

“Then he had a groin injury and was off the track for about six months. After that he has come back, in February, and has won 10 races.

“The fact that he is a good beginner means that he is often leading early. So, he has given us all a lot of value. 

"He really is a special dog to us all.

“Now he is probably just a couple of bad runs or a slight injury from retirement. But, he has given us so much and is still very keen to race.”

The family have enjoyed the ride so well they have opted into another Kuhn-bred greyhound, a now six-month-old pup.

Too Much Scotch, who has a best time at Capalaba of 19.60 seconds, is surrounded by class and speed on Sunday.

The biggest threats include Cash Handy (trained by John Jeffrey in box one), Zipping Sweeney (trained by Tom Tzouvelis in box five) and Tarawi Buster (trained by Jayson Valentine in box eight).

“Too Much Scotch will need luck,” Kuhn said.

“But, with a good start, you never know what might happen.

“Age is starting to creep up on him, but hopefully he will be right for a few masters races after this because he still loves it so much.”

Based at Bargara, on the coast east of Bundaberg, Kuhn, campaigns his dogs all over the state.

He also has the very handy Keep Paying in on Sunday. 

The Fernando Bale and Amelia Ella chaser placed fifth in the Final of the North Queensland Cup on Tuesday night in Townsville and will back up in race 10 on Sunday, a master's fifth grade event, at Capalaba.