Let’s Go Ozzi locks in on Middle Distance Challenge

By Isaac Murphy

Let’s Go Ozzi has been a gem for Doug Gladman, as constant fixture in top grade on Thursday nights.

The dog is looking to achieve something special in Thursday night’s Middle Distance Challenge; with a win over the 600 metres adding to his triumphs over all three sprint trips, a rare accomplishment for an outstanding dog.

The dog exceeded expectations first time over the distance, only being tracked down late by race favourite Frieda Las Vegas, and Gladman was rapt with what he saw.

“We weren’t sure what he’d do having never been out of the 600-metre boxes, it was more a trial by error with him running in Best 8’s every week and he really surprised us,” he said.

“We knew he’d probably lead with his box speed over the shorter trips but weren’t sure how he’d go the last little bit, but he stuck on really well and more importantly has pulled up a treat to go again this week.

“I really loved the way he fought on late, Frieda Las Vegas is a class bitch with a lot more experience than him at the trip and he really made her earn it.”

The dog was supposed to make his debut in an easier race on last Monday’s card, but inclement weather meant he was thrown in the deep end.

“I’d probably put a few ahead of him in terms of winning the Final this week, but he’s drawn the three again and if he can bounce out and lead, he should give plenty of cheek,” Gladman said.

“His great strength as a 500-metre dog was his first two sectionals and it’s going to be much the same over the 600; he’s a dog that carries a lot of speed around a bend and he could open up a real margin early.

“We were going to start him in a Fifth Grade on Monday night but when that was washed out, we thought why not give him a go on Thursday and he’s made a great fist of it.”

Gladman couldn’t speak highly enough of the honest chaser, in a career already full of accomplishments.

“There aren’t many dogs that have done what he’s done over different distances, he just continues to step up to the plate,” he said.

“He’s gone 18.80 over the 331, 22.32 over the 395, 29.75 over the 520 and around 35 flat first look at the 600 - he’s been a great little dog.

“He’s just continued to mature as a race dog, he initially struggled to get the 500 metres and now in my view he’ll win a 600 race at some stage and may stay at the distance.”

Gladman believes there’s plenty left in the locker but does rue missed opportunities to go to the next level.

“He’s not three-and-a-half until March and the way he’s going he looks like he’s still got plenty in him,” he said.

“He’s been really durable right through his career, that’s what’s probably helped him continue to strengthen up and get up in distance.

“He’s never had many major injuries and has just raced himself into form.

“He’s had a wonderful run but he’s always been about two or three lengths off a Group dog.

“We had hopes of taking him to Victoria this year around the one-turn tracks where he’d be a jet; that was not to be but at least we’ve found the 600.”

Gladman made the savvy purchase as a pup and Let’s Go Ozzi has returned in spades.

“We bought him as a pup and he’s put together some sort of a career; 23 wins, prize-money through the roof - we liked the breeding and it’s paid off,” he said.

“His mother Dyna Aline won 18 races and his grandmother Dyna Panama is a top-class broodbitch, he comes from a very strong line and all eight in this litter have won races.

“We had his brother Ricochet Radish who we always thought was a bit quicker than him, but did his hock - he’s certainly stood the test of time.”