Stocktake produced a gutsy effort to snare his first metropolitan win last night at Sandown Park.
Stocktake began well from box two and settled at the head of the field before Cheese Ya Later briefly took control. Stocktake turned the tables and zipped past the leader before he held off Alpha Triton in the closing stages. The final margin 1 ¾ lengths in a slick 34.24.
Trainer Gary Peach was pleased with the win and had no concerns when Stocktake was challenged in the early stages.
“After settling up front I had plenty of confidence he’d be in the finish – he’s won over 660m at Ballarat so strength wasn’t a concern. It was a big thrill to win,” explained Peach.
The win was Stocktake’s eighth from 32 career starts. He’s spent most of his career racing in restricted grade however Peach has always had faith he would make it to a metropolitan level.
“I knew he’d be competitive because he’s always ran home well. He’s only had four starts over longer than 550m and won three of them.”
Stocktake is owned and bred by Peach who also owned and bred the mother, Inventory.
“Nearly all of the pups she’s produced have won. She’s been great and now living on the couch at home.”
Peach, 62, started training greyhounds a youngster however says it has been a balancing act with his job at Telstra.
“I’ve been training dogs since I was about 20, my parents had greyhounds and inevitably the passion rubbed off on us children. I’ve only ever had three or four in the kennel at one time due to been flat out with work.”
“I’ve been at Telstra for 46 years. Retirement isn’t too far away, when that time comes I plan to increase the size of my kennel.”
Training greyhounds is a role that requires total commitment, evident in the early hours of Peach’s morning.
“I got home last night at 1.45am, I was up a few hours later to look after the dogs then when straight to work.”
Stocktake proves too good in 34.24
