Bundaberg Wildcard is Dodgy Mick’s chance to prove he’s still got it

By Pat McLeod

Veteran chaser Dodgy Mick’s age is his biggest asset, according to trainer Juanita Thompson ahead of Monday’s Bundaberg Wildcard Final.

In fact, Thompson believes her recent kennel acquisition is not only in the best form of his life, but is also capable of stealing the wildcard slot into the $112,500 Bundaberg Cup.

Dodgy Mick, with eight wins and 21 placings from 81 starts, and just a couple of months short of his fourth birthday, stormed home for second in last Monday’s first of two wildcard heats, just a half-length behind John White’s Burn out.

That placing put him in Monday’s Final, with the winner to get a direct passage into the Bundaberg Cup Final, to be run on March 11.

“Yes, I believe he (Dodgy Mick) can win,” Thompson said with a determined tone.

“I realise he is no spring chicken. I know he is old, but I definitely think he still has got it. He is still keen. I think he is performing better now than ever.

“You have a look at his form and I think he is performing better now as an old dog than he did as a young dog. I believe he's biggest asset is, because of his age he is experienced and very determined.

“He is stubborn and out to prove something. I think he is out to prove that he has still got it and he loves the Bundaberg track. One thing I am certain of, if he doesn't win, whoever does he will make them work for it.”

Thompson, who with husband Clinton train out of a 25-acre property at Tungamull, between Rockhampton and Emu Park in Central Queensland, had no hesitation when recently offered the dog by young owner Ky Loweke and ailing veteran trainer Allen Kelly.

“I have no doubt he is still a very good race dog,” Thompson said.

“I think there is still another ‘personal best’ in him, but we will just see how he goes. He certainly still loves racing.

“I think he would have won the heat on Monday if he had not gone so wide (on the home turn). He only lost by half a length and certainly gave the other dog a couple of metres because he ran so wide.

“If he can navigate that corner a little better, despite his age, he can shave some off his best time at Bundaberg. And, of course, anything can happen in a race.”

Thompson said Dodgy Mick was ‘an absolute pleasure’ to have in the kennels.

“He is a beautiful, quiet dog,” she said.

“He's actually quite a big dog physically and looks a bit deceptive. You wouldn't think he would be able to do what he does on the track. But, he is a gentle, big fella.

“He is a real gentleman. My grandson Cooper, who is 14 and has just got his handler’s licence, does a lot of work with him.”

Thompson said a win through to the $75,000-to-the-winner Bundaberg Cup would be a major highlight of her greyhound training career, which traces back just three and a half years.

“Being in the Wildcard Final is a big thrill, but to win through to a Cup Final would be fantastic,” Thompson said.

“My husband and I have only been in the sport a short time, but we are loving it. I love the dogs and you certainly get attached to some of them.”