Smithson: Beach Ridge “Something Special”

YOUTHFUL WA trainer Adam Smithson declares newcomer Beach Ridge is the fastest greyhound he has had in his kennel and possibly the fastest he has ever seen.

The son of Barcia Bale and Little Grove made his race debut at Mandurah in a 405m maiden on Tuesday night and scored by eight and a quarter lengths in 22.16 as the $1.20 favourite.

The track record is held by G1 Perth Cup runner-up Canya Cruise at 22.03.

“The only dog I've had to compare with him is Vice Grip and two out Beach Ridge would beat him,” said Adam.

“But, Vice Grip was the ultimate race dog.”

Vice Grip has recently retired to stud with a career record of 86 starts for 38 wins and $562,000.

He won the G1 Perth Cup, twice won the G2 All Stars Sprint, was third in the G1 Topgun and a finalist in the G1 Melbourne Cup, G1 Hobart 1000 and The Phoenix.

Owner, Darryl Smith, asked Adam to train Beach Ridge in the middle of last year.

The dog qualified in 21.63 at Cannington in June last year but has been plagued by niggling injuries ever since.

“All niggling things like a monkey muscle etc but all things that have kept him off the track,” said Adam.

“In preparation for last night's race we trialled him 380 metres at Cannington and he broke the record.

“He will keep going now for a run or two more at Mandurah and then we will go to Cannington with him.”

Adam says the dog needs to bring that speed to higher grades to make a top notcher.

“He's 35 kilos and has legs longer than mine,” he said.

The Perth Cup, WA Galaxy carnival sees Adam with top stayer Tsar Bell in the Galaxy heats and Yahoo Serious and Who Told Tuff in the Cup.

“The Cup might be light on for visiting numbers this year, but gee the quality is there,” said Adam.

Wow She's Fast heads that list of quality.