Considering Bechini’s involvement in Valpolicella – he bred her (Shima Shine x Saldana), owns her and sourced arguably the country’s top trainer, Zammit, to bring out her best – it is understandable that recent criticism of her runs caused the normally jovial greyhound devotee to bristle.
“Of course the criticism did come after some recent less-than-perfect performances, but at times I do get annoyed by unfair criticism of the dog because I believe these people don't understand greyhound racing,” he said.
“They are ignorant of just how hard it is to travel a dog up and down the East Coast and to keep that dog in good form.
“From 56 starts the dog has had 30 wins and 19 placings.
“For a stayer she has done exceptionally well.
“Her prize money is just over a million dollars. Even, for argument sake, if you take away the half a million she won at The Gardens and replace that with a Group 1 prizemoney, she has still won over $600,000, which would still place her as one of the best ever stayers.
“The top dogs can't be up at their absolute peak all the time.
“It would be fantastic if that could be, but even the greats like Palawa King can't be at their best all the time.”
Another box office smash hit showdown between Valpolicella and Palawa King is unlikely in the Queensland Cup with the NSW dog a second reserve.
Bechini said that even if his bitch takes out Thursday night’s Group 1 feature he will still rate Palawa King as number one.
“He (Palawa King) remains in that top spot because of his success at Group 1 level,” he says.
“He is just a great race dog.”
Bechini says Thursday night’s 710m race is packed with winning chances.
“The biggest danger? I think that is Exploded (Tony Brett),” he said of the fastest heat winner (41.40).
“If that dog gets to the lead we will be hard pressed in running him down given last week's win.
“One Hot Bandit (Michelle Sultana) got a little tired at the end last week, but if that run has not affected him too much, he will lead and is a big danger.
“There will be a lot of pace on.
“I think that if Canya Amy (Matthew Lanigan), gets a run at it, she is a big threat. She has finished in front of Valpolicella a couple of times.
“The same can be said for Fahey’s Magic (Tyson Barton), but just so many chances.
“It just depends on who gets the run.
“If we can stay on the pace, out of trouble on the first turn and into the home straight and land in about fourth position there, then I think she is a big chance.
“Her run home last week was incredible, probably her best ever run home.”
Bechini said that whatever happens on Thursday night Valpolicella will be having a rest from racing.
“Tony’s plan at this stage is, win, lose or draw she will have a break after Thursday night before campaigning in the Nationals,” he said.
“Then, as far as retirement goes, I think she still has plenty to offer, if she remains fit and sound.
“She could easily maintain this form until at least Christmas.
“People have been asking me about retirement, but I'm just taking it run by run and Tony will make that decision.
“When he says she’s done racing, then that is when it's done.”