Pam’s carnival field of dreams is worth more than money

By Pat McLeod

Pam Field doesn’t get as excited these days in the lead-up to big races, but that’s a good thing.

In the past, her pre-race excitement was based on the belief that her dog didn’t have a chance. There was no pressure.

More Than Money has changed that.

“I remember the last really good dog we had, that made a couple of Group 1 Finals (Mercy Rule in 2011),” Field said.

She is based on 10 acres just south of Brisbane with husband John.

“I knew that she couldn't possibly win either race, but I was happy as Larry to be part of the races. I was excited," Field said. 

“I recall talking to Tony Brett and he asked me if I was nervous, because he said he was.

“I said I wasn’t nervous because nobody expected my dog to win so I was just enjoying the occasion.”

On Thursday night at Albion Park More Than Money is likely to start favourite in the QGOLD Emerging Sprinters Final over 520 metres, after a scintillating return to racing in the heats last week.

It’s a minor feature on the 2024-25 Queensland Golden Greys Summer Racing Carnival program, but a curtain-raiser to a list of major features that Pam and husband John have in mind for their sole race dog.

Those ‘majors’ include the Group 2 Queensland Derby (Final on January 2), the Group 2 Golden Ticket (Final on January 16) and the Group 1 Gold Bullion (Final on January 30).

Field is excited, for now.

“If we make it through to those races, I am not sure how I will feel. You will have to ask me then,” she says.

“Right now, I am very excited.

“I had a look at the early markets for some of those big races at Albion Park and the number of big-name southern dogs that are listed, it was a case of ‘wow’.

“Of course it will be interesting to see who comes up. As long as the dog (More Than Money) is OK I will nominate him for the upcoming big races in this carnival. I believe he has done enough to warrant his inclusion in those races.”

Last Thursday, More Than Money dispelled any concerns after an almost five-week absence from racing, after finishing unplaced in the Ipswich Cup on November 7.

“He was off the track for several weeks after a minor kennel mishap, but he is fine now,” Field said.

“We decided to err on the side of caution and keep him from racing for a little while.

“I was really happy with his run last week. I wasn’t surprised with how well he went (a 29.63 second personal best over the Albion Park 520 metres), but I was surprised at his first section (5.42 seconds).

“He has never been near that before and what is interesting, he seems to jump very well when I take him to a different track.

“A change of scenery helps him jump better. It happened when I took him to Ipswich and has happened again when I bought him back to Albion Park.”

Field expects a ‘very competitive’ race on Thursday night, with threats from every box.

“Right now, I believe More Than Money is in the best condition that he can be in,” she says.

“I'm OK the three box. It is the first time he has been inside five for some time. He does like a little bit of room so it will depend on the dogs either side of him.

“It is always difficult to go into any race with confidence because you put the dog in the box and from there you lose control. However, what I do know is that he has been a consistently fast dog at Albion Park, so that gives you some reason for confidence."

There are dangers coming out of every box, Field notes. 

“I believe John McCarthy's dog Affluent is perfectly boxed in box eight. He went straight across the field last week from the same box," she said. 

“Big Boy Bentley (trained by Ray Burman) last week showed what a fast dog he is. Tony Apap’s Crab Pot, who ran second to our dog last week, is also a very good chaser.

“Daysea’s Chief, the little brother to The Phoenix runner Daysea’s Rory, is also a good performer at Albion Park. I don't think anyone could be over-confident about any dog in this race.”

Field, who coyly says she is younger than husband John, who turns 80 in January, says she had originally named More Than Money after his mother, More Than Magic, and father, Aston Rupee (India’s currency).

But, now that name has far more meaning.

“Yes, that dog has given us something that is far more than money,” she says.

“It is so exciting to have such a good, competitive dog and the prize money ($110,860 so far) isn’t bad either.”