Straight track title win will come at a price for Christine

By Pat McLeod

Veteran Ipswich trainer Christine Bourke knows that running one or two in Sunday’s Queensland Straight Track Championship at Capalaba with Beck And Call will come at a significant personal cost.

But, she refuses to deny her kennel king his shot at glory.

The top two placings in Sunday’s feature event will win through to the National Straight Track Championship at Victoria’s Healesville track on Saturday, August 26.

Bourke would love to be there, but is a very reluctant flyer.

“I would certainly like to be part of the Nationals at Healsville, but the biggest issue for me will be getting on that plane,” Bourke said.

“I am not a fan of flying. I have a daughter (Shelly Michalke) in Melbourne and I can stay with her and her husband and I told her I would be quite happy to sit beside the dog and he could hold my hand on the flight down.”

Beck And Call certainly has claims on the winner’s podium on Sunday. He boasts the fastest time (19.30 seconds) of the finalists and is a Capalaba specialist.

Beck And Call's kennel name is Oliver.

The talented Bekim Bale and High Class Belle chaser has had just 23 starts for 12 wins, seven placings and $45,020 in prize money.

"It was very pleasing to see him come back and win last Sunday. He is a very good dog, a very fast dog," the trainer said. 

“The most satisfying thing about last Sunday's run was the fact that he pulled up really well. I have no doubt that he will improve a couple of lengths on that run because he had very little work leading into the race.

“He had just been out in the paddock for five months and then I gave him a 200 metre slip and a 300 metre slip and then he went straight into the race. But, I think he knows what to do.

“I must admit it was as much a relief as it was a joy when he won last Sunday. I was just so relieved that he pulled up so well after the race. He is a lot stronger than a 366 metre dog. His best work is towards the end of every race there.”

Bourke believes she has ‘a good chance’ in what is her first foray at a Nationals berth.

“I think he has got a good chance,” Bourke said.

“But, he did it last week and I can't see why he can't do it again this week. He has drawn in the five and I believe that will suit him down to the ground. As long as he gets a pretty clear run, I think he will go pretty straight.

“He is only a fair beginner and that is where he can get himself into trouble. There are several dogs in this race who begin very well and it just depends on what direction they will go. Looking at the field I'm hopeful that he will get a clear run and then come home strongly as he normally does.

“The three big dangers on Sunday are Valhalla (trained by Tom Tzouvelis), We’re On One (Chris Brydon) and Lose Your Cool (Jeff Crawford).

“They will be all hard to beat and of course are younger dogs than Oliver. As long as he gets to that finish post safe and sound that is the main thing for me.”

Bourke says she would love to try him again around the circle.

Beck And Call has had just the three starts away from Capalaba – all over 520 metres at Ipswich – for three wins.

“If I did take him away from Capalaba I wouldn't start him in anything less than 520 metres,” she says.

“I believe the dog will run out 600 metres really well and I have no doubt his best racing is still ahead of him as long as he holds up.”

Bourke has just the two dogs racing at the moment – Beck And Call and Don’t Tell Helen.

However, she has no plans of handing in the lead and collar.

“In the past I have had a lot more dogs than that, but I am happy just with a small kennel now,” the 73-year-old said. 

“I love greyhound racing. It is what gets me out of bed every day. I wasn't going to breed another litter, but my children convinced me to. Beck And Call’s mum (High Class Belle) is about to whelp another litter. The kids know how much I love it.”