Buddy Israel Is A Long Way From The Couch
Greyhound Buddy Israel holds pride of place in the Melton Police Station.
And why shouldn't he when his twenty syndicate owners, the “On the Couch” syndicate are all police officers based at the Melton station.
To make it a truly police affair the chaser is trained by Senior Sergeant of the station Simon Payne, who is also well known in Ballarat Football League circles.
Buddy Israel is the first greyhound raced by the syndicate, and was purchased off the internet from Queensland as an unraced dog.
Buddy Israel has now had two race starts, and broke his maiden status at Warrnambool last Wednesday night.
On that occasion he virtually led from start to finish recording an impressive eight length victory.
“We have had some injury problems with him, but he is now back on track and racing well.” Payne said.
The son of Collision completed all his education and pre race trialing at Ballarat, so he certainly knows the track well.
“He's a good box dog. His winning time last week wasn't flash but the track was heavy from constant rain.”
Buddy Israel has drawn Box 6 for Wednesday night's Fletcher Jones Grade 5 to be run over 450 metres.
“It's usually not a good box to draw, but I'm sure he can overcome that and run a good race.”
Payne said that the syndicate name came about as Inspector Greg Payne (no relation) has a couch in his office at the station.
“If you are asked to sit on the couch you are usually in trouble.”
“Maybe the couch will be Buddy's if he is able to win again.”
Hardest for Buddy Israel to beat could well be Frantic Fred and Make Some Noise.
Frantic Fred is trained locally by Sam Bonaccurso, and has won her last two outings at Geelong.
Her last two wins have been over 347 metres, but she will step up in distance for the first time.
If she can lead she is sure to give plenty of cheek from her Box 3 draw.
Make Some Noise is prepared by Paul Carmichael and has drawn well in the coveted Box 1, with his only race win to date coming from this box draw.
If he steps with them he should enjoy a good trail, and may be a chance in what could prove an open race.