Promising chaser Paisan back on track

By Alex Nolan

Paisan can take another step towards getting his promising career back on track when he contests a Novice (race four) at Ipswich on Tuesday, but managing owner Adam Powell isn’t expecting miracles.

Powell and his At The Track Racing syndicate purchased Paisan after the son of Fernando Bale (x American Girl) smashed the clock (25.98 seconds) on debut at Bathurst in September.

He was sent to the kennels of respected trainer Kerry Hoggan, and after disappointing in his initial trials, was sent for his first Queensland start at Albion Park after trialling in 25.10 at Ipswich.

However, disaster struck when he was involved in a fall in the Novice over 520m on November 25.

He returned a week later to contest another novice but disappointed in the race won by Dave Brett Memorial winner, Tungsten Miss.

Paisan (box six) now heads to Ipswich for the first time to contest another Novice over the 431 metres, where Powell hopes his promising two-year-old can regain some much-needed confidence.

“That first run damaged his confidence big time…he pulled up out of the fall 100% physically but it has taken a toll mentally,” he said.

“On his (maiden) time and trials we know he possesses plenty of ability, we just need to get the best out of him.”

Powell believes the Stephen Woods-trained Stardust Dreams (box two) is the main threat, following the withdrawal of the Barry Kitchener trained Zabdon Diaz from box four.

“I’d love to see him draw an inside box because when you watch his replays, you’ll see he takes a step or two to get going,” Powell said.

“Being drawn wide at Ipswich is somewhat of a disadvantage, but if he was drawn closer I’d be confident.”

Powell’s At The Track Racing started as a punters’ club and has now introduced over 330 people to the world of greyhound ownership.

The former sales manager, who resides in Aspley with his wife and family, said it was his mission to introduce as many people to racing as possible, in an affordable and enjoyable manner.

“What started as something that was supposed to be fun with mates and a punters club has just exploded,” he said.

The syndicate is now dabbling in the world of thoroughbreds, teaming up with dual greyhound and thoroughbred trainer Matthew McGuire in Townsville, and the Liam Birchley stable near Kilcoy.