Star WA sprinter Tommy Shelby can stamp himself as a million dollar chaser if successful in Saturday night’s Group 1 Golden Easter Egg final at Wentworth Park.
The handsome blue son of Fernando Bale and Serena Fly High has had 43 starts for 28 wins and 11 placings with more than $756,000 in prizemoney and the $250,000 first prize cheque would tip him over a million dollars in career earnings.
Only seven other greyhounds have achieved the feat in Australia and the list includes some of the all-time greats of the sport such as Fanta Bale, Good Odds Harada, Dyna Double One, Mystic Riot, Handsome Prince, Tornado Tears and Tommy’s father Fernando Bale.
It has never been about the cash for Trainer Steve Withers and Owner Jodie Harders and team Tommy have generously donated 10% of the Owner’s purse to charity for the majority of Tommy’s career.
“We just consider ourselves so fortunate to have such a special dog in our life and the ride he has taken us on has been phenomenal.” Trainer Steve Withers commented.
“To think he could be joining some of Australia’s best ever dogs from a prizemoney perspective is very humbling and we are so very proud of him.” Withers added.
Tommy has drawn box eight in the Golden Easter Egg final on Saturday night and while at first glance appearing a little sticky it is worth noting Tommy has done particularly well from wide draws winning all four starts from box 7 and 4 wins and 2 placings from 7 tries from box 8.
Tommy will be joined by two of his biggest fans in Summah and Mackenzie Withers, Steve and Kira’s daughters on track at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
“The girls are a big part of our team helping with the dogs and they are pumped to be here to cheer on Tommy on Saturday night.” Steve said.
In relation to Tommy’s prospects for Saturday night Steve is simply hoping for an opportunity for Tommy to show his best.
“It is another high quality field and we know we need everything to go right to finish on top of the podium.” Steve suggested.
“Tommy has really enjoyed racing at Wentworth Park and all we are hoping for is an opportunity for him to use his acceleration and put himself in to the race.” Steve added.
Tommy is rated a $2.90 chance on the fixed odds with TABtouch.
The Group 1 Golden Easter Egg final takes place at 6.54pm WST on Saturday night.
Go Tommy!
David Shortte