Sunburnt Highway, Wentworth Park's most prolific winner, is off to a flying start as a sire with two puppies from his only mating qualifying for Monday's $2000 Ladbrokes Monthly Maiden final at Nowra.
Fastest qualifier is That's Our Girl, who came from third at box rise to win her heat by four lengths in 20.67 for the 365m trip.
Judith Richardson, who trained Sunburnt Highway to win a record 39 races at Wentworth Park, was forced to buy an unraced bitch called Zipping Twix to mate with her former champion and give him an opportunity at stud.
That's Our Girl and Judith Richardson | Photo: Mishele Richardson
"Zipping Twix was unraced but was well bred so my husband John and I bought her specifically to mate with Billy (Sunburnt Highway),'' Judith said.
"Almost 18 months ago Zipping Twix whelped a massive litter of 11, which was not what we really wanted because we have not been in the best of health and were forced to build another seven kennels to accommodate them."
The Sunburnt Highway x Zipping Twix litter lining up for cuddles | Photo: Mishele Richardson
"We educated the litter ourselves and That's Our Girl has shown talent from day one, so as we are confident she will run 520m we are hopeful of getting back to Wentworth Park with her.
"It would be fantastic to win a race at Wentworth Park, with a pup produced by Billy (Sunburnt Highway), who gave us so much joy there throughout his career.''
Sunburnt Highway and a very tiny Star! | Photo: Mishele Richardson
Scott Farley is banking on Walk The Talk, a brilliant winner over 400m at Maitland on Monday, giving him his first Wentworth Park winner in his 20 years as a hobby trainer.
Walk The Talk posted a flying 22.08 at Maitland and because the dog has clocked a nippy 25.20 over 450m there Farley believes he could be the dog to win a race for him at Wentworth Park.
"I've only ever had one runner at Wenty but Walk The Talk is my best chance of winning a race there'', Farley said.
"I expected him to win on Monday but must admit I didn't think he would go as fast 22.08 as the record is 21.87.
"I only have five greyhounds in work as I manage an Angus beef cattle property for Hollydene Wine Estates in the upper Hunter at Jerry's Plains, near Singleton.
"The property is right next door to the famous thoroughbred property Coolmore Stud.
"My training base is at Muswellbrook and while I've had a bit of success racing there, to win at Wenty would be a dream come true.
"Wentworth Park is the pinnacle of greyhound racing, there is just something special about the place and I would love to get back there with Walk The Talk.''
