Bernardo Pup To Make Waves At City Debut

GREENBANK trainer John Catton got the call some months ago from regular Victorian client Peter Onley and his family wanting John to take a young pup.

"I had no room, told the boys that, but eventually decided I would make room," Catton said.

Just as well he did.

On Thursday night, that youngster Doongalla Pedro (Bernardo-Miss You Emma) heads to Albion Park for a Novice (520m) and drawn box one he is the hotpot.

FIELDS AND FORM ALBION PARK THURSDAY NIGHT

That's because, on debut, Doongalla Pedro was brilliant in winning a 431m Maiden at Ipswich in 24.91 scoring by nine and a quarter lengths.

"The whole litter is showing plenty of ability," Catton added.

"The report was that they had broken in with really good reports, so I made some room for him.

"And, what a wonderful dog he is, a fabulous nature."

Catton said the performance to win first up at Ipswich was commendable.

"In his trials leading up to the race, he had been crashing to the fence," he said. "He draw the six on debut and I was worried he would do that.

"But, he went straight until he cleared them and then crossed over to the fence.

"He had learnt the job already. And he is a very hard chaser."

Doongalla Pedro has been to Albion Park for two box-to-box trials and "gone really well".

"He's drawn perfectly in the red for Thursday night," the trainer added.

"And, if he can hold them out early, he is very strong as well. The danger is Akela Kung Fu drawn out in the seven where it wants to be.

"Tommy (Tzouvelis) has plenty of hopes in the race (four runners and the reserve), but none of them have early pace and they are looking for 600 metres and maybe even more."

Peter's son, Ash, was high in praise of John Catton for the results he had achieved with dogs sent by his family from Victoria.

“He does a wonderful job with them,” said Ash.