Karen’s ‘surprise package’ ready to deliver some more feel-good medicine

By Pat McLeod

Karen Kleinhans has re-ordered another prescription of feel-good medicine from her ‘surprise package’, Mystical Beck, to be delivered at Albion Park on Thursday night.

The trainer’s rookie distance chaser will again compete over the 600 metres at ‘The Creek’ in a fifth grade heat against a quality field of experienced race dogs.

“If she does what she did last Thursday night she should be right,” Kleinhans offers.

“I am so happy with her. She is just a little surprise package.”

Mystical Beck is more than that.

Last week she provided the Burpengary trainer with the perfect pick-me-up.

“I caught her last week and Brian (Baker) handled her because I was feeling a little bit off-colour,” Kleinhans explained.

The dog won a Thursday night free for all race over 600 metres.

“But, I felt a lot better after the race and couldn’t wait to go up and watch the replay," Kleinhans said. 

“I was watching from behind the catching pen and when she went past, she was third and I thought if she got on to the rail she would do very well she would give them a good go for their money.

“She can certainly find her way through a field and she is only 24.3kgs. She is only little, but certainly has the tenacity.

“But, what I like about what ‘Becky’ did last week was, the week before she got hit and twisted, and that was the first time she had been unplaced (over a 600  or 710 metre race).

“Then last week she didn't jump to the front like she normally does, but she weaved her way through the field, showing she wasn't frightened to be near the other dogs.”

To date Mystical Beck has had 26 starts for seven wins and 13 placings and Kleinhans believes her best racing will be over 700 metres.

“She has only been over the 710 metres at Albion Park twice for two placings,” she says.

“She went really well in both races. Led all the and was just run down in both. So, I decided to bring her back to the 600 metres and strengthen her up a bit.

“She is still young. Doesn’t turn three until August. She is certainly a workaholic. She loves to run and thrives on work.

“Around the kennels she is just perfect. You wouldn't know that she was there. It is the same when we travel in the car. She just lays down and relaxes.

“Nothing fazes her.”

Mystical Beck’s race credentials will certainly be tested on Thursday night by a field that includes Ray Burman’s proven veteran Tiny Encounter, Tim Britton’s established middle distance chaser, Cash It In, Cyndie Elson’s ever-consistent Obliging Warren and Tom Tzouvelis’ smart I’m Old School.

Although Kleinhans is hopeful ‘Becky’ will develop into a Group quality distance performer, there are no weighty expectations.

“Yes, you always hope,” she said of feature race possibilities.

“But, I never count my chickens or put any pressure on my girls. They go out, do their best and they always get an ice-cream after they run, no matter where they come.

“They get spoiled. I am a shocker. I take them to McDonald's after racing, and I'm sure they know it.”