Bundaberg youngster’s regal breeding starts to show through

By Pat McLeod

Just like his own greyhound training career, Brian Terry is excited with what the future might hold for regally-bred youngster Let’s Play Dice.

The Fernando Bale and Frieda Las Vegas bitch was easily the quickest qualifier (26.77 seconds) through to Monday’s Bundaberg Maiden 1000 Final over 460 metres.

“That was her first time out of the boxes at Bundaberg, so I was more than happy with that,” Terry said.

He is based just west of Bundaberg.

“She has been racing at Albion Park and had no luck in her last couple of starts,” Terry said.

“She handled herself pretty well in the heat and went through the gears, then raced right away.

“She still has got a lot to learn. You can see that from watching the replays from her Albion Park runs, where she got into a lot of trouble in a couple of races. She wants a little bit of room to move.

“She is still learning. I believe up here it will be a little easier for her and she'll be able to build her confidence. But, there is definitely something there.”

Like most, Terry is in awe of the potential that could come from a Fernando Bale and Frieda Las Vegas mating.

Frieda Las Vegas was a quality greyhound who collected $125,400 in prize money from her 49 starts (22 wins and 16 placings).

She came via the successful Tony Zammit (trainer), Darren Leeson (owner) combination.

However, this litter hasn’t yet lived up to expectations.

Terry explained that initially he had three from the Fernando Bale and Frieda Las Vegas litter.

“They were sent up to me for education,” he said.

“I took them to Rockhampton and Bundaberg, but they just didn't improve, were never up to scratch, so were moved on.”

Let’s Play Dice was the quickest at break-in stage and was sent to Zammit.

As the litter mates left Terry’s kennels, soon after Let’s Play Dice appeared.

“Tony said the dog had no luck in her starts at Albion, but he had dogs coming into his kennel and although he would have liked to have given her more time, he had to move this dog on, so she came to me,” Terry said. 

“I consider myself lucky that things have worked out this way.

“Eventually this dog will want more ground. The connections are aware of that and aren't too fussed what she does early.

“When she gets up in those longer distances that is when they are expecting her to find another leg. But, she has to build up to the longer distance.

“It is an exciting challenge to see where we can take this dog as far as ability goes. This is a very good opportunity.

“We will see how she goes, but hopefully things work out and we can target the (Group 2 Bundaberg) Cup up here in March next year.”

The 58-year-old Terry, who owns a sign business, has been involved in greyhounds for about 40 years, the past 18 at Bundaberg.

“From Sydney, I could have either gone to the Bathurst, Orange area where it snows or come to Bundaberg where it is sunny every day,” he laughs.

“I have always been a hobby trainer, but these days the hobby is eating more and more into my work day and so sooner rather than later I would like to transition full-time to training.

“The prize money is great at the moment. I am set up well here on 60 acres. I believe this dog has the potential to do well. As I get more serious into training, the aim, of course, is to build the kennel around quality dogs.

“As far as Monday’s Final goes, if she can get a bit of clear air then I am a little bit confident. I have been around too long to say she is a good thing.”

The Final of the Bundaberg Christmas Cup over 460 metres will also be held on Monday.