Dooner Looking Forward To Temora Stoush With Simon

PETER Dooner says he still has no idea just how good his budding star Got To Casino is – or more importantly, can be.

But the Wagga trainer has declared he'll find out this Saturday when the son of Sh Avatar takes on Simon Told Helen and Who Told Stevie in a gripping Temora regional final of the TAB Million Dollar Chase.

"I've got no problem at all taking on Simon Told Helen – I'm actually looking forward to it," Dooner said.

"Simon Told Helen is a champion so it will be a good test for my dog to see where he's at. And his brother Who Told Stevie is there too – it'll be a great race.

"If my dog begins and can hold a straight line from the red I'm confident he can make a real race of it. And I'm sure we'll have plenty of local support behind us.

“The Temora people love beating the Victorians so fingers crossed."

TEMORA FIELDS & FORM

Winner at seven of his nine appearances, Got To Casino has been responsible for some mind blowing times during the early stages of his career, including an airborne 24.45 Goulburn win two starts back.

At Temora last Sunday, Got To Casino qualified for the final with a half-length second to Keenando in 26.06, relegating Who Told Stevie into third.

The second heat was won by Simon Told Helen in a much slicker 25.83.

"Got To Casino missed the start in his heat but I still think his box manners are getting better – slowly," Dooner said.

"He handles himself pretty good in a field but when you get up in class like he is you just can't afford to be giving a start away early all the time.

"I broke him in at Wagga and Temora so he knows the track inside out.

“He's won there in 26.00 but can trial 25.70 and he'll need that to win Saturday."

Wagga based Peter Dooner has had his share of good dogs over the years, including track record breaking types Gotta Watch Out and Gotta Get Back.

"But Got To Casino is better than them – the best I've had for sure," Dooner added.

"I haven't tested him over 500 yet but if he runs a place on Saturday and qualifies for the Million Dollar Chase semi-finals I'll trial him at Wentworth Park in the next week or two."

Tab.com.au have installed Got To Casino the $4.6 second favourite for Saturday night's finale behind raging hot elect Simon Told Helen at $1.40.

Who Told Stevie is quoted a $6 chance.

"This race will tell me what I've got I think," Dooner said.

"I've taken him along slow and haven't pushed him so fingers crossed he can go to another level on Saturday night.

"And if we could qualify by beating the best greyhound in the country it would be something special.

“But it's a big ask and main thing is that he does everything right and qualifies.

“It should be a great race.”