Litter sisters eye all new QGOLD Emerging Sprinters series

By Jordan Gerrans

John Mccarthy is optimistic “early toe” from his litter sisters will have his kennel competitive in heats of the all new QGOLD Emerging Sprinters series on Thursday evening at Albion Park.

Thursday’s heats lead towards the inaugural QGOLD Feature Night at Albion Park on December 8, where Queensland bred greyhounds will race for nearly $250,000 in stakes money.

The Wivenhoe Pocket-based Mccarthy is hopeful of qualifying two from his kennel - Ivy Pearl and Balmy Nights – through to the Final of the QGOLD Emerging Sprinters over 520 metres, which is open for greyhounds whelped on or after 1 June 2020.

The bitches are the stars of a Fernando Bale and Oh Golly Gosh litter, which has produced four race dogs.

Mccarthy raced Oh Golly Gosh up until the early stages of 2018, before she was eventually retired with seven victories and a further 14 minor placings to her name from 42 attempts.

The bitches have shared in seven of the eight wins from the litter so far.

The QGOLD Emerging Sprinters series Final is worth $25,000 and will be raced as part of the QGOLD feature night.

The veteran dog man – Mccarthy – backed QGOLD Feature Night as a positive introduction to the 2022-23 Golden Greys Summer Racing Carnival.

“I think it is a good concept being age restricted for the younger dogs,” the native Englishman said.

“The extra prize money on offer is always welcome by everybody.

“There is great prize money on offer for the Final and hopefully they can get there.”

Racing Queensland’s EGM of Operations Adam Wallish said the QGOLD feature meeting would provide the Sunshine State’s stars the perfect platform to showcase their talents.

“The greyhound industry remains the fastest growing code of racing in Queensland,” Wallish said.

“We are excited to introduce the QGOLD feature evening as a part of another exciting Golden Greys Summer Racing Carnival, celebrating the best of our local stars on the big stage.

“As a part of RQ’s recent Investment Growth Plan, we have delivered more than $4 million in increased prize money to the code, and it is vitally important that investment can support the sustainability of our breeding industry.”

Ivy Pearl has drawn box two for the opening heat on Thursday night and Balmy Nights will jump from the six in the last of three heats.

The owner and trainer of the bitches understands his litter sisters are up against a strong field on Thursday evening but is confident they will put themselves in the event with their early speed.

“They are probably facing a bit of a task but what is in their favour is that both begin quite well,” the experienced trainer said.

“They are always a chance when they can do that.”

Ivy Pearl used the inside draw to claim a Thursday evening fifth grade event last week.

“There is not much of her, she is only 22.5kgs or something like that, but she chases hard and is a good beginner,” Mccarthy said.

“You can always put yourself into a race when you can begin and be up front.”

Balmy Nights is yet to win in four starts from the green alley, but has placed on two occasions, which Mccarthy thinks could be key on Thursday.

“I think I would have preferred her to draw out wide so the six should probably suit her,” he said.

“She has got a bit of early toe – she is probably the quickest of the two.

“She will put herself in the race.”