By Jordan Gerrans
Greyhound breeder Cyril Anderson believes the prize money Bundaberg Wildcard champion Smart And Classy has accrued in his career is a testament to how far the industry has come in the Sunshine State.
The black and white dog was a smart winner of the Wildcard event at ‘Bundy’ on Monday as he won straight through to the big Group 2 Bundaberg Cup on the grass early next month.
Anderson bred the Hooked On Scotch and Vince A Bella litter that produced Smart And Classy and his seven other litter mates who have made it to the races.
Smart And Classy quickly became the star of the litter in the context of victories and prize money, earning more than the rest of his siblings by far.
He has $88,665 to his name from 18 victories in 47 starts.
Remarkably, he has claimed all that cash without winning a city race on a Thursday night at Albion Park.
To do all that without scoring in a race at ‘headquarters’ at the main meeting for a week in Queensland, Anderson believes it shows the strength of the industry in regards to stakes increases across the state.
“For any greyhound to win $88,000, it says a lot and for him to do it without a Thursday night race, it is saying something more,” the breeder said.
“I know a lot of it is based on the placement of the dog by the trainer. It is a good example of a dog winning a lot of money without winning a big race.
“It really emphasizes the dog. This shows what you can do in this day and age with a dog.”