Burnt Ends out to break records

By Isaac Murphy

Six weeks ago, Burnt Ends was a very good Northern Rivers sprinter for trainer Jeff Ahern.

An Albion Park winner who has Casino and Lismore Free For All wins to his name, he looked to have a serious career in front on him.

Fast forward a month and with just three runs over the 600-metre distance, he’s gone to a different stratosphere, with a track record at Casino and the third fastest time ever over the Albion Park middle-distance (34.52) putting him right in the frame for tomorrow night’s Group 2 Golden Sands heats.

“I’ve always had a big opinion of him as a chaser, his first 20 metres have always been suspect though, which has made it tough for him over the sprint trips down here in Casino, but he’s still won 13 races,” Ahern said.

“Winning those races is probably what’s kept him over the sprint, he’s won at Albion Park from box one before and has had some cracking wins down here, but it’s become apparent recently 600 metres and maybe beyond is his go.

“He doesn’t walk out of the boxes he jumps with them and since finding the 600 he seems to be jumping in front of them and he’s always been a clean winded dog out in front, I didn’t expect him to be breaking and challenging track records straight away but it’s been a plus.”

The long-time trainer is not getting carried away with times, and he’s hoping he can prove he belongs with the big boy’s tomorrow night.

“It’s all well and good winning in the lower grades and running time, but he’s coming off a Fifth Grade Monday night win into Group 2 class, we’ve just got to hope he measures up,” Ahern said.

“He’s got some nice draws his last couple of wins at Albion, shifting out to the six this week will be harder, but with the way he’s jumping I think he’ll be fine.

“He broke the Casino 600-metre record out of box seven and that’s a similar tight corner start to Albion Park, there’s no excuses come tomorrow night.”

The dog’s rise has been swift, and Ahern had always hoped he’d reach this level having run time over the sprint trips, but this is what he’s been waiting for.

“I’d always hoped he’d be figuring in races like this, but it probably has come a little quicker than expected, he’s only had the three runs over the distance,” he said.

“Ideally I would have liked a few more, but when he’s in form and winning you don’t want to wait for next year.

“We should find out a lot about him tomorrow night, of course bad luck can always strike but if he shows he’s up to the grade, that opens up plenty of options with him going forward.

“If we’re able to make the final and stare down a Mepunga Isla type and hold our own, it’ll definitely affirm we’re on the right track.”

Torrential rain and lack of suitable races haven’t made it easy of Ahern recently, but he’s happy to travel with a dog that holds such talent.

“It’s massive for him that he handles Albion Park, there simply aren’t many 600-metre races down at home, so with a few grades up his sleeve we’ll be frequenting Albion regularly,” he said.

“I’m fairly fortunate with how he carries his fitness, you can give him a couple of weeks between runs and he only need a light gallop during the week to be in tip top shape.

“His 34.52 last start we were hardly able to work him in the lead up to that run with the rain, he goes well fresh and looks good to go tomorrow night.”

Ahern has been a mainstay in the industry - longer than most - and while he’s winding down his training numbers, he’s still enjoying his training more than ever.

“I’ve been down here at Lismore for ten years now, it’s a great place to train dogs when you’ve got a small kennel, I’ve just got the four in work and that’s enough for me,” he said.

“I used to live up in Queensland and do a lot of racing at headquarters, but I’ve been involved in the game almost 50 years now and am happy with the numbers I’ve got.

“It certainly helps when you have one like Burnt Ends who’s coming out and breaking track records, I love what I do, and he keeps me going.”