Federal Blast starts career with a bang

By Josh Spasaro

Federal Blast is off to a fine start to his chasing career, with six wins from 11 starts.

But, Jackie Belford is happy to leave the handling duties to her husband, Bradley Belford, for one simple reason.

“He’s a very strong dog. And, stocky. That’s why Brad handles him,” she said with a laugh.

Despite running third in his Townsville Young Guns heat last week, Jackie Belford was impressed with the effort from her two-year-old in the 380 metre event.

The black dog jumped from box seven and ran on nicely.

He will start from box three in the $7,900 Final on Tuesday night.

It is a strong field including He’s Peeking, Gidgee Bug and King And I.

Gidgee Bug ran the fastest heat time of 21.57 seconds.

“There are a lot of good dogs in there, but if he can get a clear run and gap them, he’ll go well,” Jackie Belford said. 

Already, you can say Federal Blast is a Townsville specialist, with all six of his wins coming at the North Queensland venue.

“He’s actually jumping out of his skin at the moment,” Jackie Belford said.

“If he can beat them to the rail, he’ll be right. He’s had a good prep and he’s feeling really good.”

Federal Blast is by El Grand Senor and out of Flo Jo Focus, who has gone on to become a prolific dam.

Federal Remark, who has 36 wins from 87 starts, is one of her top performing progeny.

He is currently in Riley Evans’ Churchable kennels, after the Belfords had him under their care.

Noeleen Benjes owns Federal Remark, as well as her half-brother, Federal Blast.

“We’ve been training for them for a couple of years,” Jackie Belford said. 

“We had Federal Remark and I think he won maybe 28 races for us. We’ve got a pretty good relationship with Noeleen and her son, Morgan.

“He’s the man behind the business. We’ve got probably seven of their dogs at the moment.”

Jackie Belford believes Federal Blast has plenty more wins left in him and those could be at longer distances in the future.

“I think he’s got a few more in him yet. Depending on whether he can run on over longer distances, that might be a new career for him,” she said.