Billy’s Bake made his first step to becoming a top line stayer last night when overcoming a world of trouble to win by the barest of margins.
“I didn’t think he was a chance, I was thought he was gone,” revealed trainer Ian Garland.
Billy’s Bake began fairly and settled mid-field, he threatened danger turning for home but was severely held up when he looked to make a race winning move. He eventually found clear running when straightening and was in pursue of leader Barroom Counsell. Racecaller Rob Testa said “it’s all too late – Billy’s Bake a certainty beaten.” Following long deliberation by the judges they declared Billy’s Bake the winner by 0.03 of a length.
Official photo finish – Billy’s Bake (4), Barroom Counsel (2)
“Behind the boxes you lose sight of them as they go past the winning post – at that stage he was still over a length behind, I thought he was going to run third,” said Garland.
The win was his first attempt over 715m, it followed a consistent run of form and gradual build to the distance.
“His run home time were always strong even when he was young. That’s always been the most impressive part about him. I always hoped he’d become a strong 600m dog but he stepped up one night at The Meadows and really hit the line hard, I thought gee he might stay and since then he’s proved that he can.”
Named after Billy Brownless’ popular radio segment, Billy’s Bake is owned by the Brook Supremacy Syndicate headed by Alex Sutton and close mate Liam Mottram. The pair bought him as a three month old pup from breeder James Van de Maat, he was then reared and cared for by Garland.
“I trained a dog owned by Spring Gully Cricket Club, Alex was involved and he took the most interest out of them. He used to come out here and see the dogs, he just loves them. He then formed a syndicate with his mate Liam.”
Garland works at a hair salon in Bendigo and has intentions to one day train greyhounds full-time.
“I used to work full-time but now I’m kicking back a bit. I’m only working part-time, my wife runs the business.
“I’ve only got two greyhounds in work and three pups on their way up – I live on 22 acres about five minutes from the Bendigo track. My grandfather was a bookmaker and greyhound trainer, I’ve always been around them – I love it.”
Later in the night Black Mumbo backed up his Harrison-Dawson win in fine style winning by eight lengths in a fast 29.35.
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: Billy’s Bake with connections last night
