Boody team have the right boxes for a Cup upset

By Josh Spasaro

Central Queensland dog man Michael Boody has downplayed his chances of winning a long-sought after second Rockhampton Cup on Wednesday night.

“We’ll need some luck. We’ve got the two slowest dogs in the race,” Michael Boody said.

However, no one can question the talent of Michael Boody and wife Amber’s two-year-old black dogs lining up in the $75,000-to-the-winner Group 2 feature over 510 metres.

And, both have drawn ideally, with Riding Solo to start from the one box, and Bright Side to jump from the three lane.

Bright Side has won twice from his past three starts.

That includes an impressive three-quarter length victory in the Rockhampton Wildcard Final on April 8, crossing the line in 30.09 seconds.

From box eight, he showed great heart to hold out Wyndra All Smoke, who is trained by Michael Boody's nephew Ken. 

“The race was drawn to give him the best possible chance and he took it,” Michael Boody said.

“He’s a young dog capable of vast improvement that surprises you and you say, ‘where did that come from?’”

Riding Solo flashed home late from the one lane to win his Rockhampton Cup heat in 29.92 seconds last Wednesday night, also saluting by three quarters of a length.

“He’s had a few goes (over 510 metres) and stepped up. He runs his time and that’s all he can run,” Michael Boody said.

“The one box is his best box for him – he likes it. You can’t expect major improvement.”

Both Riding Solo and Bright Side are out of respective Boody dams, Butterfly Is She and Love You Peaches.

No one can question how much the family has given to greyhound racing in Rockhampton.

Michael’s nephew Ken is also enjoying plenty of success with his two-year-old bitch Wyndra All Smoke. 

He also raced Love You Peaches, who picked up more than $76,000 in prizemoney.

This is why winning Wednesday night’s Rockhampton Cup Final with one of two outsiders in a hot field would be a moment to cherish for the Boody family.

“It would mean a lot,” Michael Boody said.

“With Steve Scott, Ken and the Sulis (Andrew, Kelly and Jessica), it’s very competitive up here. But, everyone gets along well.

“We’ve only won one. We’ve had three or four thirds in 'Rocky' Cups with a few chances. We won it years ago (in 2005) with Amby’s Love.”

Last year’s Brisbane Young Guns champion Star Turn for Jeff Crawford looms as one to beat from box four.

Dish Liquor, who won the Country Cup Final, for Rockhampton trainer Darren Taylor and Drink Tins for Churchable conditioner Chris Brydon – who won his heat in a sizzling best time of 29.31 seconds – will also be tough opponents.

However, Michael Boody’s two runners will enjoy the benefit of inside boxes.

“The alleys mean everything. We’ve got them, but we don’t quite have the speed,” he said.

“But, we’re not going to pull out - we’ll be there trying.”