Ashford hopes Beth emerges from her shell

By Josh Spasaro

Jessica Ashford thinks Cashed Up Beth is starting to mature at the right time.

“She’s had a few issues, but she’s come out of her shell a lot,” Jessica Ashford said.

Linda Ashford, Jessica's mother, trains Cashed Up Beth at Bethania.

Jessica, who is a handler, has been impressed with her two-year-old bitch’s mental development in recent weeks.

That is why she believes she can be competitive from box eight in the second $3,650 QGOLD heat over 366 metres at Capalaba on Sunday.

The Whiskey Riot and Wildash Boomer chaser won her last start by one-and-a-quarter lengths at fifth-grade level over 352 metres at Q1 Lakeside on Wednesday night, crossing the line in 19.58 seconds.

Jessica Ashford said the win – as well as other starts on both circle tracks at The Q in recent weeks – had given her runner some confidence.

“That’s why I put her in harder races on Thursday nights just to get her some field experience and see what she does through her field,” the 36-year-old said.

However, Jessica Ashford did concede her bitch needed to step up in a strong heat that includes the in-form Lost Dragon, Art Of Deception, Pretty Posh and Hara’s Pumpkin this Sunday.

“There are some good dogs in the race,” she said.

“She normally jumps good, so if she gets in front, she should be up in confidence from Wednesday night.

“But, I don’t know if she can run as quick as a couple of the others in the race.”

Jessica Ashford was happy with the way Cashed Up Beth flashed home to salute in her last start after she was second at the turn for home.

“She’s coming together better than she was before. She’s putting it together more,” she said of her black bitch with four wins from 26 starts.

“I definitely hope she can continue improving and progressing through the grades.”

Meanwhile, Jessica Ashford said she was looking forward to litter sister Cashed Up Haven – with eight wins from 22 starts – making a track return.

“We have about 10 dogs. Cashed Up Haven came on season not long ago. She’ll be coming back in the next week or so,” she said.

“I can’t wait to get her back.”

Cashed Up Haven won her last two starts at Capalaba in February.