Ann Barnes Joins G1 Runner Club On Saturday

THERE isn't much Dennis and Ann Barnes haven't achieved in greyhound racing but on Saturday night the matriarch of the family will have her first Group 1 runner as a trainer. 

The husband-and-wife team behind Tracsan Racing has a finalist in Saturday night's two $75,000-to-the-winner Group 1 finals at Wentworth Park – the Peter Mosman Opal and the Vic Peters Classic.

Dennis puts the polish on Nangar Lucy in the Peter Mosman Opal while Ann is listed as the trainer of Nangar Larry which contests the Vic Peters Classic Final.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY NIGHT

"I didn't realise this was my first Group finalist as a trainer until Dennis just asked me," Ann said.

"It's a thrill when you think about it.

"We've had Group 1 runners before and there's no doubt you get a big thrill with all of them but to have one in my name, it is extra special.

"It will be a proud moment on Saturday."

Nangar Larry is rated a $14 chance with TAB.com.au on Saturday night but the lightly raced son of Shima Shine is capable of running the hands off the clock as was evident when he clocked a breathtaking 29.35 seconds for Dubbo's 516m trip in just his second start.

‘Larry' qualified for his first major race final by finishing a close third in a heat behind Tarawi Tiger and he's drawn box five for Saturday's assignment while Zipping Remus is the $1.50 favourite after his slashing 29.49 best-of-night heat win.

"I always thought this dog was going to do something" – we spoke to a very proud Alan Proctor after Tarawi Tiger won @Ladbrokescomau Vic Peters Heat 2 tonight!

Replay & results: https://t.co/83N7XsXssd#thedogs #vicpeters #G1 #group1 #wentypark #greyhoundracing @wentyparkgreys pic.twitter.com/8qXcATgh8P

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 1, 2023

"The box draw didn't do Larry any favours," Barnes said.

"I would have liked him too have drawn closer to the rails.

Minnie's (Finn) dog (Zipping Remus) will be hard to beat drawn the inside (box 1). We'd probably need him to miss the kick to be a bit of a hope.

"If he gets everything right and luck goes his way, he might be able to pinch it."

Dennis and Ann have Nangar Lucy, a $4.40 chance in the Peter Mosman Opal final while their daughter Sandra Spratt owns the $2.50 favourite and fastest qualifier, Miss McGraw.

Jack Smith wasn't surprised that his chaser Miss Mcgraw took out @Ladbrokescomau Peter Mosman Opal H1 in 29.63 – we caught up with him not long ago!

Results and replay: https://t.co/dcQwnWawa6#thedogs #petermosman #G1 #group1 #wentypark #greyhoundracing @wentyparkgreys @orch3 pic.twitter.com/1v9EWH9c5x

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 1, 2023

Jack Smith has 2 into the @Ladbrokescomau Peter Mosman Opal final after Bella Una won heat 2 – and he tells us about a first-time owner who will be hoping she can take out the G1 final next week!

Results: https://t.co/r3wSd2Gt0B#thedogs #petermosman @wentyparkgreys @orch3 pic.twitter.com/lujzwIPt8G

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 1, 2023

"I think Sandra's will be the hardest to beat," she said. "She's got plenty of early toe.

"Lucy needs to come out a little bit better than she did in the heat if she's going to win the race."