Presence Of Boom Pup Has Kline Wary in Silver Dollars

GOING into the Molly Campbell Silver Dollars final (520m) at Albion Park on Thursday night with a youngster boasting 10 wins from 26 starts and a stylish heat victory would normally have connections brimming with confidence.

The dog is Carton Of Bear (Hooked On Scotch-Shilo) who scored by almost three lengths in last week's heat beating Bantam Magic in 30.20.

FIELDS AND FORM ALBION PARK THURSDAY

That was coming off a scorching 22.41 win over 395m a week earlier.

But, trainer Brent Kline is hardly brimming with confidence.

That's because of the presence of “boom” young pup King Of Aces, yet another of the progeny of Hooked On Scotch.

“My bloke blew the start in his heat so he did great to run 30.20,” said Brent. “I would think with a normal beginning he would have broken 30 seconds.

“But, gee, realistically we are running for second behind King Of Aces.

King Of Aces (Hooked On Scotch-Distant Star) won by 13 and a half lengths in his Silver Dollars heat last week in 20.54.

“I watched the replay and he was running 61 kms from the 600 metre boxes to the finish,” said Brent.

“That is absolutely awesome. Even if we lead him, that sort of run home can beat us all.”

King Of Aces has started just five times for four wins for Col Graham and his son, owner Danny.

In three starts at Albion Park he has lowered his winning times from 30.01 to 29.95 and then the amazing 29.54.

But Brent Kline is happy with his youngster.

“Every time I put him around he is improving,” he said.

“He's a very nice dog and an amazing chaser. He gives his all every time he races.”

Kline raced the dam Shilo and she is a quality producer with star sprinter Isurava one of her progeny.

“I don't know where the ceiling is with my dog,” he said.

“It is a thrill to have bred this dog. He is raced by my mate Nick Cutri and a syndicate of his friends.”

Kline does has a glimmer of hope.

“I was talking to Col (Graham) last week after the two heats and he said King Of Aces can be a hit and miss beginner,” he said.

As Brent said: “It's only a GLIMMER of hope.”