SA Distance Championship At Sir Truculent's Mercy

SOUTH Australia's star stayer Sir Truculent only needs to be within striking range at some stage of Thursday night's South Australian Distance Championship final (731m) to win.

Breeder, owner and trainer Wally Harkins knows only too well the son of Worm Burner and Establish will be giving away his customary start early in the final.

“But, take a look at some of his come home times,” said Wally.

“He's got home in 13.13, 13.10 and 13.16 in recent wins. And if a dog gets home around 13.40 it is a good run.”

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Sir Truculent is just two and a half years old and has won 14 of his 41 starts and earned $51,000 in stakes.

He will come out of the five in the final but that is no concern for Wally.

“The closer to the rails the better for him,” he said. “But, if he can get a clear run he can run down anything.”

Sir Truculent has won six of his past eight starts but was beaten two lengths into second behind Wooden Tiger in a heat at Angle Park last week.

“Wooden Tiger will be hard to toss if he gets to the lead early,” said Wally.

“I'm listening to all the experts and they don't give my bloke much of a chance from the draw and in this field. They are tipping everything else.

“But, he's a great chance. Those freak run home times he can reel off put him into this race for sure.”

Wally has only Sir Truculent in training at his home at Reynella but is about to get two more dogs come into his kennel.

“I bred this litter and five of the six pups have won,” said Wally.

“I sold Sir Truculent as a pup but bought him back from the owner a few months ago. He's won eight and run two seconds since I bought him back and earned $30,000.”

Sir Truculent has already won at Angle Park in 42.76.

“Very few dogs break 43 seconds there,” said Wally.

Some markets have Zipping Galon the $2.70 favourite for the final with Sir Truculent $3 and Wooden Tiger at $4.50. My Boy Bean, off the rails, is $6.