Big Al’s triumph a career highlight for Nicholls

By Josh Spasaro

Warren Nicholls noticed how much talent Big Al’s had from the moment he arrived at his Churchable property late last year.

And, last Friday, he celebrated a National Straight Track victory with him after he saluted in the Group 3 feature over 350 metres at Healesville.

The red brindle dog led all the way, crossing the line in 19.02 seconds, with Victorian favourite Smart As You finishing runner-up.

Big Al’s now has 18 career wins from 27 starts – not bad for a chaser who finished last in his first start at Dubbo on October 11 last year and was sent north from Rebecca Baker’s kennels.

“He won his first four for me,” Nicholls said.

“I gave him a couple of trials. His first two trials, he ran a bit of time. It wasn’t exceptional, but he definitely ran times for a pup.

“Then I thought, ‘There’s got to be a catch – he must lose interest.’ Then I put him with another dog and nothing happened.

“He brained the dog. And, then he did it again. I was looking for a catch and there was no catch.

“He came in good order. Everything was good about him and he was running time. I don’t know what the story was, but we were certainly happy to get him.”

Nicholls has enjoyed past Group success with Days Of Thunder, who retired with $337,290 in prizemoney three years ago.

But, he said winning a National Straight Track Final ranked among his best achievements as a conditioner.

“It’s definitely up there. You’ve always got your favourites. This bloke is certainly becoming one for sure,” he said.

“The Days Of Thunder wins - you never forget those. But, this is certainly up there.

“Winning Nationals titles are always hard to do. It’s OK if it’s at home on your home track, but when you’re going away, the timeframes and local dogs are always hard to beat, that’s for sure.”

Nicholls now has the Capalaba Cup or Lakeside Cup in mind for Big Al’s, with those respective races on October 11 and November 5.

His two-year-old chaser by Aston Rupee and out of Lanmor Cutie has now won his past six consecutive starts, with a top time up the Capalaba straight of 19.42 seconds.

“He’s probably only had 10 runs up at Capalaba at most and to be down to where he’s running in times is exceptional,” Nicholls said.

“This dog has a ton of ability. The only thing is it suits the locals wherever you go. His trial wasn’t bad, but I know he can run a lot faster. They just don’t do it with those first-up trials when you go interstate.

“He’s improved heaps and knocked off a good field.”

Nicholls was shocked at Big Al’s winning odds.

“I was very surprised at the odds, believe it or not. I don’t bet much anyway – I put the brakes on,” he said. 

"As soon as I put money on them, they don’t win. We’re just happy to get the stakes money. I was very surprised. I know there’d be a lot of people in Queensland who backed him and have followed him the past few weeks and they’ll be cheering.”

Meanwhile, Tusken Wind prevailed comfortably for Gary Keep in the Michael Miller Memorial Final at Capalaba on Sunday, crossing the line in 19.52 seconds.

It was the second consecutive win for the two-year-old black dog, after he also won his heat in convincing fashion, saluting in 19.46 seconds.