Velocity Bettina’s final litter showing speed

By Josh Spasaro

Velocity Bettina’s third and final litter consists of only two greyhounds, but both have shown potential in the early stages of their careers.

However, owner Steve Williams is refusing to get carried away just yet.

Both will line up in the Rockhampton Maiden 1000 Final for consistent Sarina-based trainer Steven Scott on Wednesday night.

By Jungle Deuce, 22-month-old bitch Velocity Rowena notched a first career victory from her third start in the first heat over 407 metres last Wednesday night, crossing the line in 24.36 seconds.

Litter brother Word Smith finished runner-up on debut in the second heat, registering a better time of 24.30 seconds.

The 72-year-old Williams owns their dam, Velocity Bettina, who is now retired as a broodbitch and is living as a pet on his Hervey Bay property after three litters.

The highly successful owner and breeder kept a lid on expectations when asked how full siblings Velocity Rowena and Word Smith would perform in the $7,900 race on Wednesday night.

“I really don’t know. They haven’t been setting the world on fire, that’s for sure,” he said.

Velocity Rowena will jump from box two.

She is seen as a genuine danger this week, holding out Velocity Miranda at the post in her heat.

“She finished strongly,” Williams said.

Word Smith impressed on debut, making up plenty of ground from box five and found the rail before finishing two-and-a-half lengths behind Louca in the second Rockhampton Maiden 1000 heat last Wednesday night.

He drew one outside Velocity Rowena and will jump from box three.

Again, Williams did not get too excited with his first career run.

“They’re bred to get a bit more distance. But, they’re young and immature,” he said.

“They’re not doing a great deal or running the arms off the clock, or anything like that. It’s just a matter of whatever happens on the night.”

Williams, however, was full of praise for their dam, Velocity Bettina.

In 2020 she triumphed in the Golden Sands, Dashing Corsair, Super Stayers and Ipswich Grand Prix Finals for Kevin Ellis.

“She won a lot. She was a real good bitch,” Williams said.

“She won from 300 to 700 metres. She won all distances. She could run, the little girl. She ran good times at Ipswich over 500 metres. I’ve still got her at home as a pet.”

Williams has had an association with Scott for over 20 years.

Scott’s work ethic is well known with the many kilometres he covers around Queensland most weeks.

But, just as importantly, Williams shares a good friendship with him.

“We don’t talk about racing, unless there’s something wrong. We just have a chat,” he said.

“Steve and his partner Chantelle Conroy do a fantastic job.”

Velocity Miranda will start from box six for William Boon in Wednesday night’s Rockhampton Maiden 1000 Final.

She is out of Velocity Chance, who Williams owns, and by Hooked On Scotch.

While she is yet to bring up a win from seven starts, she has five consecutive runner-up placings going into this week’s assignment.

Williams has fought a private health battle in recent years, but said overseeing good chasers brought him a lot of happiness.

“It gives you great joy, even if you were healthy. Of course it gives you joy,” he said.