Record Holder Makes Most Of Fresh Start Abroad

ONE of the most anticipated New Zealand race debuts will be the focus of attention at Addington on Monday.

All eyes will be firmly focused on race 2 (10.25am AEDT) where the ultra-talented It's A Blaze will exit box three.

It's A Blaze has been taken along quietly since crossing the Tasman last September by his new Kiwi mentors Dave and Jean Fahey. 

He has been sighted trialing in stylish fashion during the intervening period, although his preparation was interrupted by the occasional niggly injury.

His workload was recently upped and a slippery early February Addington 295m trial (17.00s) saw him being presented for his requalifying trial last Friday.

He rocketed through his 295m task, being credited with a real slick 16.85s sprint, although that is a time which Dave Fahey disputes saying:

"I saw 16.95s on the board."

Irrespective of what time It's A Blaze returned it was still a sensational sprint.

For example, slick sprinter Bolty currently holds the Addington 295m track record at 16.69s.

The majority of readers will recall the extraordinary start to racing the son of Fernando Bale and It's A Fling had in Victoria.

It was back on June 10 2020 when It's A Blaze made his race debut over the Cranbourne 520m trip for Kel Greenough.

He produced a blazing 29.75s and ten days later It's A Blaze sensationally lowered the Cranbourne 520m track record to 29.54s.

Those wins were delivered by a staggering cumulative 26 ½ lengths!   

A 520m miss in classy age-group company at Wentworth Park was followed by a 37.86s Sale 650m success.

The wheels fell off however in his next appearance when It's A Blaze was sent over 699m at Cranbourne with his errant performance earning him his trans-Tasman relocation.

Dave Fahey credits New Zealand's finish on lure system for the change in the chasing attitude by It's A Blaze, which points to a full on and exciting career looming.

"He is chasing really hard – full of determination," Fahey said.

“He hasn't looked like hesitating or turning his head in any of his trials. He has been faultless. It's A Blaze would not be in New Zealand without the finish-on lure used here."

Also, the NZ finish on lure has not only saved, but definitely turned around and enhanced the careers of many former ‘wayward' Aussie chasers which went onto attain group race honours on this side of the ditch for the Faheys.

For example, one only has to only look at their recent New Zealand Cup winners with the likes of Rock On John, Bago Bye Bye and American Warrior prevailing, while others like He's All Power, Kava Blue plus Awesome Bender all attaining elite race success just to mention a few of them.

As a side point, Australia has provided some of the most potent chasers seen in New Zealand after having various issues in their former home states. All have been ‘switched on' by the finish on lure.

Just ask Craig Roberts who has enjoyed enormous group success with many carrying the Bale, Dyna and Allen names.

The phenomenal stayer Swift Fantasy enthralled Kiwi followers with her amazing last to first staying victories – she detested the Australian catching pens.

And then there's New Zealand's highest ever stake earning greyhound Little Mother ($377,751).

The multiple group race winner wouldn't ‘chase an inch' in Australia.

Rightfully so Fahey isn't looking past Monday's assignment saying, "I'll access where he's at after Monday, then plan his future from there.

"Fingers crossed – I'm more worried about him getting injured….he's so quick"!

One can hear and feel the excitement in Dave Fahey's voice when he speaks about It's A Blaze. Good luck mate!