Mangalore trainer Gary Fahey takes great pride in his Tasmanian roots, especially concerning Raider's Guide.
This esteemed pair will represent Tasmania at The Gardens in New South Wales on Friday night, competing for half a million dollars in The Ladbrokes 715, as one of the foremost betting favorites in what is considered the world's richest staying race.
It's been a challenging journey to prepare Raider's Guide for the race, and Fahey is extremely proud of his home-bred star's accomplishments. Despite a limited number of races, the greyhound has undergone a rigorous preparation to be ready for the competition.
Raider's Guide is currently the second favorite among corporate bookmakers to win the third edition of The 715 off box 8. This follows his impressive NSW debut where he clocked 41.52 seconds, just .01 seconds behind the fastest heat time set by the champion Queensland stayer, Valpolicella.
"The amount of money on offer for a staying race is unbelievable," stated trainer Gary Fahey.
"I was concerned about how he took the first corner wide, as he had never raced that distance before and the dog was just reaching top speed. The run should be greatly beneficial for his second time on the track, and the wide draw seems advantageous.
"Raider's Guide appears to be at his peak; in every trial leading up to this race, he has clocked remarkable times. He shattered the track record over 600 meters on his first attempt at The Gardens. Prior to that, at Sandown Park, he posted a trial time of 34.10 seconds right after the track had been harrowed.
"We brought him home and he trialed over the 461 metres in Hobart, breaking the record. He then won the Devonport Distance Championship over 599 metres, coming within a length of his own track record for that distance as well.
Raider's Guide
Four decades ago, Gary graced Sydney's grandest stage when his elite stayer, Lygon Leader, competed in the renowned Ford Fury Cup at Harold Park, a race that was then regarded as a premier event.
Gary has always been a staunch supporter of his fellow trainers competing at the elite level on the mainland.
For Raider's Guide to be part of the premier event is an immense honor for him. He is hopeful that the offspring of Zambora Brockie and Sacred Shadow will bring pride to Tasmania in The 715.
"Raider's Guide is an incredibly determined dog and an excellent chaser," remarked Gary.
"If he begins well and takes the lead in the final, I believe they will need to set a record to defeat him."
