Whisky chasers need a smooth passage

By Josh Spasaro

Michael Landrigan admits his litter siblings Shot Of Whisky and Too Much Whisky will be racing in strong juvenile company in the Ipswich Futurity and Derby heats at Q1 Lakeside on Thursday night.

But, if they jump well, both have a chance of being there at the finish.

The chasers are well bred by Hooked On Scotch and out of Fire On Ice. 

Fire On Ice triumphed on 22 occasions for top Grafton trainer Mark Moroney.

“One has won two and one has won four. They’re a bit outgraded, but the dogs can run if things go their way,” Landrigan said.

With four wins from 12 starts, black bitch Shot Of Whisky has saluted in two of her past three races, both over 350 metres at Grafton for the Northern New South Wales conditioner.

Thursday night’s assignment is a step up over 457 metres, where she will jump from box five in the fourth Futurity heat.

Shot Of Whisky showed some heart to hang on and prevail in her consecutive victories at Grafton on September 25 and October 2.

“She wants a bit of ground. If she can lead, she’d be a good chance, I’d say,” Landrigan said.

“The bitch has probably always been the quickest, but they’re both very strong.”

With two wins from 14 starts, Landrigan said Too Much Whisky can also start well.

He added the challenge for his white and red fawn dog would then be to remain in contention in a field of talented young greyhounds.

Too Much Whisky has drawn box two in the first Ipswich Derby heat.

“He can begin all right, but he’s just got no early pace,” he said.

“He just can’t keep up with them early.

“If he gets a clear run he’s right, but he’s got to be lucky to get a clear run.”

Both Hooked On Scotch and Fire On Ice chasers showed promise from their debut starts at Q1 Lakeside in a maiden over 457 metres on June 9.

That was when Shot Of Whisky prevailed in 25.55 seconds and Too Much Whisky finished two lengths back in second place.

Landrigan believes his two-year-old litter siblings can continue to progress through the grades.

“If they have any luck they will. It just depends on whether they keep out of trouble or not,” he said.