Gould to guide Born To Run

By Isaac Murphy

Owner, trainer and breeder Clint Kratzmann was forced to call time on Group 1 winner Oh Mickey’s sparkling career last month, and while that chapter closed, another has opened thanks to the champion’s half-brother.

Born To Run has won three of four over the short course at Albion Park and Capalaba - most recently running serious time up the straight on Sunday - and trainer Scott Gould is rapt with the development of his most talented pupil yet.

“He’s always been a fast dog on the clock; we’ve just had a few dramas with him injury-wise which have held him back about four months, I was relieved to finally see him healthy and putting 19.67 on the board at Capalaba,” Gould said.

“Even before I got him, I think Clint knew he had a bit of something about him, he was doing things at an early age most don’t and Clint’s the best judge of his own line (Fabregas/Iona Champion).

“In retrospect the injuries were probably a blessing in disguise, our vet John Murray did a great job with him and he was able to mature a bit with the time off as well - he certainly hasn’t lost that edge.”

It was Kratzmann who approached Gould about taking the dog on board, and the hobby trainer couldn’t say yes quick enough.

“Clint and I met a while ago through mutual friends in the industry and always got along great guns, but I couldn’t believe it when he approached me with a chance to train one of his own,” Gould said.

“It was around July last year; Clint likes to keep a fairly small team with his family commitments and knowing I was a hobby trainer looking for dogs, he asked me if I’d give him a go in a similar environment.

“The Iona Champion line that Clint has built is just outstanding, we all know about Oh Mickey but there’s plenty of others too - he’s the best dog I’ve ever had at my disposal.”

Born To Run first graced the track in late January, and whilst he’s only seen the short course so far, he looks set to get the traditional sprint trip.

“We started him off at Albion Park over the 331 metres and he was only coming out fair, so we thought Capalaba might be the place to go to get him jumping a bit better and it’s been a success so far,” Gould said.

“How long we keep him there I’m not exactly sure - he’ll definitely be there this Sunday after winning his heat - but the ultimate plan is the 520 at Albion Park, we’ve just got to let him tell us when he’s ready.

“From what I’ve seen on the trial track as well as his breeding he looks like he’ll get 500 on his ear, but you never know until you get there.”

Gould has rubbed shoulders with some of the best trainers going around over the years, which has made the perfect preparation for his tilt into the profession.

“I first got involved in the dogs 14 years ago initially as an owner; Johnny Dart trained my first dog which got me hooked and then when I got a bit more involved went to Ron Ball’s and got an education from him and Serena (Lawrance) as I got my license,” he said.

“I’ve just chipped away over the years, we’ve had some good dogs who’ve won races at Albion Park but that was their ceiling, now the kids are older I can devote a bit more time and I’ve got this fella where anything is possible.

“This is another level, I’ve never experienced anything like this before; he’s got me jumping out of bed in the morning.

“I’m just really determined to get the best out of him not just for myself, but to repay the faith to Clint.”

Gould is in a position to devote all the time he needs into the dog, and is confident Born To Run will reap the rewards of a small kennel.

“I’ve just got him and one other dog out at my place at Belmont at the moment, it’s a big advantage only having a couple as you get to know them inside out, and I think that was part of the lure bringing the dog to me,” he said.

“As a rule, I’ve only had three max at a time, he was a godsend in more ways than one when the other two were injured last year - it’s a bit of a rollercoaster.

“Normally I have to go out looking for dogs, but to have this boy land on your doorstep is a first for me and I can’t wait to see what happens.”