Working in construction on the NSW rail network has provided Matt Bestwick with life experiences the 36-year-old thought might never come his way.
While based at Dubbo, ‘Besto’ is rarely settled and for the moment calls Leeton home as Covid-19 restricts travel.
"I call Dubbo home and I wish I could be there at the races on Saturday night, but I’ll be here [at Leeton] watching Sky Racing on Saturday,’’ Matt said.
In focus at Dubbo will be the performance of Bestow Keeping which he purchased from owner-breeder Charmaine Roberts after his maiden win.
“I’ve been going to Dubbo dogs for a while now … a mate of mine (Harrison Davies) dragged me along one night and I just loved it – I’m hooked,” he continued.
“We made an offer for Bestow Keeping only because he was named after me, and it’s turned out to be a terrific buy. Brad ‘Jock’ O'Neil took over the training after his first start, he’s won four from six now and we’re hopeful of snagging win five on Saturday.”
Box 5 is a real concern but Bestow Keeping has shown steely determination and, after a short break, the son of My Redeemer will be ready to rumble.
“His box manners have not been brilliant at times yet his pace has overcome that,” Besto continued. “Jock has been working on his box manners and he will shortly step back up to 400m – it’s a distance he’s trialled well at."
"The race at Dubbo is by no means easy, and box five complicates his task. Stinger Casey (Box 7) was very impressive in a smart 18.24s win at Dubbo last weekend and he’s got a very good record from wide boxes."
In fact, Singer Casey has posted five wins from just seven outings, all at Dubbo over 318m for owner-trainer Peter Carr.
Bestwick, while watching from afar, will surely be fielding calls from his mate Camo Hallinan on wagering outcomes and reading for his next purchase.
“I spent a couple of days with the Hallinan family [at their Clergate property] and was happy to head home, they work long and hard hours,” ‘Besto’ laughed.
“I’d love to own a Zipping dog, their Zipping Garth pups are spectacular and his early pups are doing really well on the track.”
Bestow Keeping steps out in Race 3 at Dubbo (6.47pm) while the first race on the 12-event card kicks off at 6.07pm.
