Greyhound Racing Just The Tonic For Abela
Greyhound Racing has turned out to be a savior for Bacchus Marsh trainer Christine Abela.
Abela had an aneurism five years ago, and believes her recovery is due to the support from her family, and her love of greyhound racing.
As part of her recovery process Abela took on training greyhounds, and has progressively grown her kennel to five race dogs.
“Training greyhounds has given me an outlet, and something that I can really focus on.” Abela said.
Abela first became involved in greyhound racing twelve years ago, when she went into partnership with a friend in a dog called She's A Nellie.
Since then her passion has blossomed into training with the help of her mentor, veteran trainer Wally Elmer.
One of Abela's kennel favorites and success stories is a greyhound by the name of Vargas Magic.
“He's just such a placid, friendly dog at home, but when he gets to the track he just gives his all.”
The ultra consistent Vargas Magic is engaged in the Kaye Emmett Photography Grade 5 at Ballarat on Wednesday night.
In his past seven race starts Vargas Magic has won twice, and not been out of a place in the other starts.
“He has just been great and deserves to win another race.”
The son of Nobody Knew has drawn an awkward Box 5 for the race to be run over 450 metres.
“We would have preferred to draw closer to the rails, but he is a strong dog and is capable of overcoming the box draw.”
“I am hoping that he can get a clear run in the race. If he can he is sure to go well again.”
In an open race, the hardest for Vargas Magic to beat could be Dyna Rose and Infiltrate.
Dyna Rose from The Graeme Bate kennel is stepping up in distance from her last two starts at Bendigo.
She has plenty of pace from the boxes and has drawn inside Vargas Magic in Box 4.
Dyna Rose has won three of her eight race starts, and is sure to run well.
Infiltrate's form line on paper does not look good, but his performances of late have been affected by slow starts and checks in running.
The Cameron Bahen trained chaser will start from the outside in Box 8, which may give him time to settle and then run home at the end of the race.
Infiltrate boasts a win and second place in consecutive races at the track and distance in April this year.