Punters Club Dog Claims First City Win
The Punters Club greyhound Carlson Bale pulled out all stops to score his first metropolitan victory at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
On a night which saw the best country dogs from around the state competing in the Country Challenge Showdown, Carlson Bale's second outing at the Glebe circuit was a little overshadowed but none the less impressive.
After starting slowly from box one he spent the race making ground through the field to literally take the lead on the turn and hit the finish line two lengths ahead of his nearest rival Thunder Col with Vivaldi star a further three lengths back in third place.
The victory was his fifth in seven starts and has given the Punters Club renewed excitement given both thoroughbreds are not currently racing and the pacer is still weeks away.
Trainer Brendan Wheeler said he was very impressed with Carlson Bale's efforts on Saturday night but would like his starts to improve.
“He is just a very excitable young dog, and we are hoping in time he will just grow out of it and then his speed out of the boxes will be better,” Mr Wheeler said.
“We had box one which was great but when he is closer to the rail he hears the lure start and that's when he plays up, when he gets a wider box he can't hear it as much and is a little more settled.”
“He is fit and healthy so we are really happy with his progress and excited about the win.”
Mr Wheeler said following the Wentworth Park victory he will now nominate him for the upcoming Young Star Classic heats on Saturday.
“This will have him come up against some of the best young dogs around and then we will see what he has really got,” Wheeler said.
To join the Punters Club check out the latest Daily Telegraph or for more information go to www.thedogs.com.au.