Comeback “King” Takes Aim At Queensland Flame

COMEBACK king, Ninetymile King, is a genuine chance of winning the Queensland Flame (520m) the heats of which are run on Thursday night at Albion Park.

That's the opinion of his breeder, owner and trainer Bianca Whitford who has nursed the son of My Bro Fabio and My Superstar back to the track after he tore an Achilles tendon back in May.

FIELDS AND FORM ALBION PARK THURSDAY NIGHT

Ninetymile King has drawn box six in a heat of the Flame on Thursday night and comes up against Kevin Ellis' star sprinter Impact.

“He was on the comeback trail and we saw this race coming up, so we made it a target for him,” said Bianca.

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Ninetymile King (2) for trainer Bianca Whitford makes a late dive at Regal Rocxky (9) and claims the 2021 Listed @GarrardsHnH Carnival Chase Final in 34.86.

A terrific contest and congratulations to all the team at Ninetymile Kennels on a deserved victory!@RaceQLD pic.twitter.com/RqRpU4xsqA

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) May 13, 2021

Before his injury in May, Ninetymile King had won the Listed Carnival Chase and was a finalist in the Group 1 Gold Bullion.

An exciting staying prospect, he was making his 710m debut when he tore the Achilles tendon.

That's when Jason and Seona Thompson stepped in.

“I'd called Jason and Seona to ask if they were interested in taking him for a campaign in Victoria,” said Bianca.

“When he broke down, Jason rang and offered to take him down to Victoria and get Des Fegan to look over the injury.

“Des suggested an operation and Jason and Seona kept him for six weeks before he could be flown back to us in Queensland. It was so wonderful for them to do that for us.”

Then began walking machine exercise and physio three times daily.

By September, Ninetymile King was back in training.

“Right from the first slip we gave him at Capalaba he was running as quick as ever,” said Bianca. “So we decided to bring him back in a race at Capalaba and he won in 19.80.”

Ninetymile King returned to Albion Park last Thursday night when fifth behind Tyanna Belle in 29.94.

“He has been trialling faster around the circle than he did before he hurt himself,” said Bianca. “He went 22.50 at Albion Park and then slipped 16.21 at Ipswich.

“Last week he actually began better than he ever has and got himself into a fabulous spot early, but the eight came down on him and knocked him out of the race.”

The Queensland Flame, to decide who will represent the state in the upcoming The Phoenix at The Meadows in December, has always been on the agenda for Ninetymile King.

“The $750,000 for first in The Phoenix is a big lure,” said Bianca. “We are originally from Victoria so it would be great to get back home for a while.

“But we honestly believe he is a great chance on Thursday night in the heat. The six box is quite good for him and he has a vacant box on his inside.

“I'm hoping the pace in the race will allow him to get to the rails and give him his chance.”

Ninetymile King is an ongoing care package.

“The tendon he hurt is very solid and we have not had a problem with it, but we constantly monitor it and maintain it,” said Bianca.

“We hope he stays in one piece. The ability is still there and he deserves a go at the Flame.”