“Still learning” – That’s the assessment of the metro racing debut of Need A Margarita
“Don't give up on Need A Margarita just yet”, That's the message from the owner of the rising star after she failed at her first attempt at metropolitan racing at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
Need A Margarita lined up in her Wentworth Park debut on Saturday night after turning heads with a near-record-breaking maiden win at The Gardens at it's third race start.
Owned and formerly trained by Roxanne Farrell, the chaser last stepped out at The Gardens on August 25 over the 515m trip, saluting by close to 20 lengths in a blistering time of 29.25.
In only her third career start, the time came close to the track that stands at 28.96, run by French Martini on September 30, 2022.
Since that thumping win, Need A Margarita has transferred to the Forbes-based kennel of Ray (Jack) Smith, with Farrell retaining ownership.
A potential buyer did call following the chaser's second career start on August 8, after she finished runner-up, only a length off the winner, Tarawi Moo, at The Gardens.
However, Farrell let it be known that her chaser was not for sale.
“I didn't get or give a price, as I said to him (the caller) before he could offer that she wasn't for sale,” she said.
“As I have seen it numerous times, you refuse an offer, and something great could happen.
“I have no intentions of selling her.”
Farrell commented on the reason behind the change in kennel and what she sees in the future of the Hooked On Scotch x Keydra bitch.
“I think she should develop into a handy middle distance/stayer given her breeding,” she said.
“She also has strong run-home times in trials.
“That is the main reason I sent her to Irinka Kennels.
“Jack and Maree have a proven record with stayers, and I do not have the time with work and family commitments to travel.”
In Saturday night's race over the 520m at Wentworth Park, Need A Margarita lined up as the -125 race favourite on greyhound betting apps, but could not find a clear passage in running to have any real impact.
At box rise, she jumped from the pink box to sit last as the field turned the first corner, while +320 second favourite with greyhound bookmakers, Charlee's Tommy, dictated terms from the front.
Wentworth Park 520m 5th Grade Sept 23 2023 – Charlee's Tommy (29.85) T: Courtney Barnes
She would finish sixth in the eight-dog field, and Farrell commented on the performance from Need A Margarita.
“I was concerned when she drew box eight at Wentworth Park,” she added.
“She doesn't have a lot of early speed, and I thought she would find it hard to be in a good position by the first turn.
“I thought she may find trouble, and being inexperienced with the track, I think there was a fair bit of interference back in the field that you couldn't see on the race vision.
“I was really hoping for an inside box so she would be on the rail going through the first turn.”
Despite her first run at Wentworth Park not being as impactful as predicted, Farrell sees Need A Margarita staying at the track and trip for now.
“I haven't discussed her run with Jack yet (her trainer),” owner Farrell said.
“It will be up to him what he does with her.
“He's only had her for a few weeks, and she would still be settling into his routine and getting to know them as she was bred, reared, and trained by myself all her life.
“I think her run last night can be forgiven; there was a lot of interference, and she was never in the race.
“I think it takes a few runs at Wentworth Park to get used to the track.
“She will probably need a few 500's to get condition.
“She is really still learning, and she was run into in the catching pen when she won at The Gardens, so that was another concern.
“She obviously has speed but lacks experience, which she will get with more racing.”