Pearcedale trainer Jason Thompson has continued his support for the Gippsland Carnival by nominating a staggering six greyhounds in the heats of the Group Two Cranbourne Cup (520m).
But it’s the Distance heats in the third leg of the Gippsland Carnival that has Thompson excited because of one greyhound in particular – Burn One Down.
Burn One Down is a winner of 19 races from 34 starts, including victories in the Group Two $108,000 Topgun Stayers and the Group Three $35,650 Topcat Video Cup final, both run at The Meadows over the 725-metre distance. Last start, the 37-kilo chaser finished second behind fellow Victorian Dublin Bull in the Group Two $54,000 Summer Distance Plate (720m) at Wentworth Park, Sydney.
WATCH: Dublin Bull (box three) and Burn One Down (box seven) finish first and second in the Group Two Summer Distance Plate.“In terms of a dog that can run from 400 metres to 700 metres, he is the fastest dog I have trained. I have never had a dog that can do what he does,” Thompson said.
“The disappointing thing with him is that he is such a big dog and is still a bit awkward which gets himself beat. He is a very talented greyhound and I love watching him go around.”
Burn One Down will partake in the first of two heats of the Gippsland Distance Victoria Cup (699m), in what has been described as the most exciting distance heats the Gippsland Carnival has seen. Last start Group Two winner Dublin Bull for Anakie trainer Jeff Britton, headlines the second heat with the pair tipped to go head-to-head in the final on Cranbourne Cup night.
With the distance heats occupying races four and seven, all eyes will turn to the four Cranbourne Cup heats and Thompson’s six contenders.
“Big Flood is going really well and I think he will be up there with one of my best chances. He trialled on Monday and he handled the track very well so I am looking forward to his race.”
Big Flood is in race eight and jumping from box four in his 10th career start (8 wins and 1 second place).
WATCH: Big Flood win from box four at Sandown Park in a BON time of 29.26sec.One name that is missing from the Thompson camp in the Cranbourne Cup heats is the country cup king Aston Bolero, who is also sitting on top of the Gippsland Sprint leader board on 44 points ahead of champion Gippsland sprinter Jesaulenko (27 points).
“I will take Aston Bolero to Traralgon for the final leg of the Gippsland Carnival. I didn’t enter him at Cranbourne because you need a strong dog to run out the 520 there,” Thompson said.
The title of Gippsland Sprint or Gippsland Distance Champion is just one incentive Thompson is excited about in regards to the Gippsland Carnival.
“It is great to have a carnival so close to home that encourages trainers to bring good dogs along to compete on a country circuit. The bonus prize money is also a great incentive.”
Throughout the Gippsland Carnival place getters in heats and finals of distance and sprint races gather points, with the leading two greyhounds receiving a share in $35,000 in prize money.
“Most of my dogs have raced or trialled on all four tracks in the Gippsland Carnival (Sale, Warragul, Cranbourne and Traralgon) and I think the experience will really help them.”
“If you have the dogs to run in the Gippsland Carnival, why not support it.”
