Sky's The Limit For Near Record Horsham Debutant

IT may have only been a midweek Horsham maiden but greyhound racing fans got to witness something very special on Tuesday following the near record debut win of Invictus Atticus.

Trained by Graham James, the son of Black Magic Opal carved out a remarkable 22.93 for his 10-length demolition, just half-a-length outside Time To Talk's 22.89 410-metre track record.

"He's the kind of dog that sends a shiver up your spine," declared James.

"Even when you handslip him he gives you the feeling he's something else. He's a special dog."

The just turned two-year old by Black Magic Opal out of Invictus Reign, the dam a litter-sister to former top flight sprinter Invictus Rapid, is trained by James for close friend George Zogoulos.

"I'll never forget the day George and I went to Kevin McNamara's to watch these pups have their final trial at break-in," James reflected.

"There were quite a few pups from two litters to watch and we didn't really know what was what. But we watched this one dog trial and straight after just glared at each other thinking what the hell was that?

"It wasn't until 20 minutes later that Kevin came over with the sheet with their times … that dog – Invictus Atticus – had run 17.50 and gone 5.32 early. It was unheard of. With My Redeemer he was the fastest break-in there ever."

Now 25 months of age, Invictus Atticus's racetrack debut has been anything but straightforward, James forced to adopt the slow and steady approach with the prodigious talent.

"He was good to go about four months ago but he put a stopper bone through a tendon which needed surgery," James explained.

"But thankfully he's lost none of his ability. He went 10.09 early on Tuesday into a headwind but nothing this dog surprises me. He has that white line fever about him when he gets to the track. There's that x-factor for sure.

"You don't want to get too carried away but he could be very special."

For Woodleigh based James, Tuesday's Horsham program was one to savour after Invictus Ryder landed the opening maiden event on the card in 23.11, setting up a clash with his more decorated kennel mate in next week's maiden final.

"I've got a lot of time for Invictus Ryder, he's got plenty of ability but can be a bit fragile," James said.

"He's had a few setbacks along the way as well. He finished second at Horsham on debut the week before doing everything wrong imaginable. Even when I got him out of the kennel his head was down so the experience at the races did him a lot of good. He was a different dog Tuesday.

"When he went 23.11 I started thinking what was Invictus Atticus going to run, knowing he's got five or six lengths on him.

"You don't want to look too far ahead but in six months I'm hoping Invictus Ryder can turn into a country cups type of dog. I reckon he's got the most improvement in him."

With some extremely hot youngsters working through the ranks, one of the older brigade has been forced into retirement with James calling time on the career of Got Some Wheels.

"He did a toe at Sandown earlier in the year," James offered.

"We had it taken off and he came back from it great, was trialling brilliantly. But he then dropped a back muscle so he's retired now.

“We're hoping to get a few bitches for him. He's wonderfully bred, could run remarkable times and was the cleanest dog I've had. I'm sure he'll throw some nice pups."