Tricky Micky storms through Thursday night debut at 'HQ'

By Pat McLeod

After a frustrating false start, Dennis Robinson believes he and wife Denise may have found the ‘right dog’ for tri-code owners, the 'Crazy Racers Syndicate'.

The veteran Northern NSW pair successfully debuted the syndicate-owned Tricky Micky amid Thursday nights storms at Albion Park.

“That was a wild night,” the Condong-based Dennis said.

Dennis turns 80 on Tuesday.

“We were lucky that we were the first race of the night," Dennis said. 

The Thursday night program was abandoned after race two.

“Our dog (Tricky Micky) wasn’t fazed by the weather. There have been so many storms in recent weeks that he is used to it," Dennis said.

With a slick win in the novice 520 metre opener in 30.03 seconds, ‘Micky’ showed those at 'Headquarters' what Dennis already knows – this dog has real potential.

“Early days, but if he keeps improving like I think he should, he has Group potential,” Dennis said.

“He is a very handy dog. That was just his fourth start (for two wins and two placings) and he is doing most things right.

“On Thursday night, out of the seven, he crossed most of them and then railed in behind Brian Baker’s dog (Canya Outlaw).

“He showed good field sense and then also his strength to power away.”

Tricky Micky won by six lengths with Stowaway (trained by Tom Tzouvelis) second and Canya Outlaw third.

Tricky Micky’s ownership group includes top Queensland thoroughbred trainer Desleigh Forster as well as prominent owners Chris and Norm Mayne as well as champion harness racing trainer and driver Kevin Thomas’ daughter Letitia.

The 'Crazy Racers' and the Robinsons first combined in early 2023 with a dog called Jerry.

The Zambora Brockie and Alpha Themis chaser had shown sensational early ability, but also an inclination to switch off while racing.

The dog had 20 starts before arriving at the Robinson’s kennels.

“He (Jerry) is without doubt the quickest dog that I have ever put a collar and lead on and I have been doing this since I was 11,” Dennis said. 

“In trials he just kept running unheard-of times.

“Unfortunately, in races it was a different story. He would show speed, but then would slow down, have a look around and start chasing again.

“His last run, at Albion Park (on May 11 last year) was a classic example.

“He raced to a big lead, then almost stopped in the straight, waited for the other dogs to catch up and then started racing again. And, won.”

Jerry was retired after that race and Dennis reports that he now lives a very comfortable life on the couch with one of the owners at Brisbane’s New Farm.

“He lives a great life,” Dennis says. 

“He heads off to the Gold Coast with the family every now and again for a holiday. But, as far as training him goes, well let’s just say it was frustrating.”

Dennis said he and Denise had become ‘very good friends’ with members of the ownership group and have been rapt that the 'Crazy Racers Syndicate' now have several chasers in their kennels, including Tricky Micky.

The remainder of Thursday night’s program was to have included five heats of the $45,000, Rising Stars.

So impressed was Dennis with Tricky Micky’s win, that he was hoping the heat fields would be re-drawn and he would have nominated his youngster.

However, he received word Friday morning that the existing heat fields would remain for next Thursday night.

“I was very happy with that run, and yes, if the opening had been there, I would have tried to get him in the Rising Stars heats,” Dennis said.

“I will now take him back to Ipswich for a while. He is an Ipswich Auction dog so that series will be a future target.”