Matt Clark has found himself chasing a Launching Pad ticket after Catch The Thief won impressively at Sandown Park last night.
He wasn’t able to be there on-track and left duties to his wife Bianca.
“I thought it’d be best to stay home – we’ve got some young pups to look after. It was the first time she’s handled them (including Playlist in a later race), so you can imagine she was as nervous as a cat backing out razor blades! I wasn’t concerned and she got the job done,” explained Clark.
Catch The Thief trialled well at Sale on Sunday night which led to the suggestion of purchasing a ticket for the $420,000 Launching Pad series. Clark discussed plans with owner Louie Cardillo, who works in security at Sale Greyhounds, and decided to wait and race on Thursday.
“There were still tickets available at the time and I said to the owner let’s take them to Sandown, if they’re (plus litter brother Playlist) good enough to win we’ll tackle the Launching Pad and with the prize money they’ll pay for their tickets.”
On Wednesday morning the final ticket was claimed, which has left him (and many others) in a tricky situation.
“I’ve got to work out what I’m going to do. The back up plan is to race in the series coming up and try to win a ticket.”
Heats of that series are at Sandown Park on March 15 and open to greyhounds with 1-4 wins and 1-28 starts. The winner will receive a ticket in the Launching Pad. There are also opportunities at Angle Park (SA) and Richmond (NSW) to win a ticket.
Catch The Thief looks to be the smartest pup Clark has had since he took up training greyhounds full time. He left his job at the Sale Turf Club just eight months ago.
“It’s going well. At the moment a lot of our income is being put back into the property. So I’m hoping that will be done soon and we can start to get in front rather than break even.”
Pictured: Bianca Clark (right) with Bree Markovic (left)
Click here for last night’s results
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