Clase Azul’s rewarding rank outsider win for trainer Laura Barnes
A lot of trainers have been in this position before and not just greyhound trainers. You have one runner in. It is rated a $51 outsider. It is in the last race and it really feels like it's going to be a long day on the racecourse.
But hours later the wait is worth it, and your runner salutes much to the dissatisfaction the majority of punters around Australia.
That is exactly what happened to greyhound trainer Laura Barnes of Derrinal on Wednesday afternoon at Bendigo, who said that the victory felt like “her first win”.
Clase Azul was sent to the boxes a $51 clear outsider with greyhound bookmakers in the last race after drawing box one and the daughter of Barcia Bale x Zipping Anna never looked back; leading all of the way in 24.22 over the 425m to bring up her third win on the Bendigo greyhound track
An excited trainer admitted that she wasn't shocked with the result considering the price on offer.
“I thought that if she got a clear run she would have a chance to win,” Barnes said.
“Being in the last race can be a bit of a nuisance but she is a good kennel dog so it worked out well. I had a couple of dollars each way on her so that was good but I usually have a routine bet on all of my dogs.”
The young trainer said Clase Azul's long odds would have been a result of mixed form but said poor draws of late were not helping.
“She likes the inside but it's all a matter of if she can begin like I know she can,” Barnes said.
“She has had some shocking box draws which hasn't helped her in her races. She did have a bad fall at Bendigo on her third start so it's all been about gaining confidence.”
‘Geri' as she is affectionately known, is casually trained with work in the runs and bush walking. With confidence back the Bendigo Easter Carnival is now on the agenda for Barnes.
“There will be quality bitches in those races but I think she can handle it,” she said.
But for now the veterinary nurse who trains a modest team of six greyhounds just wants to enjoy the week after getting a $51 winner.
She said despite the thrill of the odd winner, she was happy with her current numbers and that way she could put “110 percent of time” into each animal.
“The wins are all special and being that it's an up and down roller coaster ride, you just have to enjoy all of the highs,” she said.
“Not all dogs are the same so tuning into what they need is important. We all want the next big superstar in racing of course, but any dog that puts in 100 percent and chases hard – well thats all you can ask for.”
And if anyone is wondering about the unusual race name that ‘Geri' has, Clase Azul is a very expensive tequila which sells for around $370 a bottle.