Veteran Trainer On Verge Of National Sprint Berth

WITH almost 60 years of training experience behind him, veteran conditioner Richard Pearce knows all too well the uncertainty racing can present.

Adam Dobbin08 August 2023

WITH almost 60 years of training experience behind him, veteran conditioner Richard Pearce knows all too well the uncertainty racing can present.

But what the rising 79-year-old is assured of is that his in form sprinter Dash Of Blue will be out giving his all in Thursday night's SA National Sprint Championship Final (530m) at Angle Park.

"He's gone to another level in the last month or two," Pearce said.

FIELDS AND FORM ANGLE PARK THURSDAY

"The main change has been his maturity. At home and at the races.

"He's a really handy, honest dog that doesn't have to lead to win which is pretty rare these days.

SA Sprint hopeful Dash Of Blue Picture: Kurt Donsberg Photography

"But if he can be in front then it's a far better place to be!"

Winner at 15 of his 39 starts with a further 14 placings, Dash Of Blue, a son of My Redeemer, has been nothing short of a revelation recently, winning nine of his past 12 appearances.

Included in that stellar sequence was a powerhouse victory in the Shane McQueen (595m) at Angle Park the start of June.

And on Thursday night he'll be eyeing five straight successes when he exits box eight for a finale which sees the winner book a spot in the Group 1 National Sprint Grand Final at The Meadows on August 26.

"We'll worry about Thursday night first," Pearce said.

"But if he happened to win and qualify it would be an honour to represent South Australia in a race like that.

"I think box eight gives him a chance on Thursday in a really even race. He should stay out of trouble out there and if he can get into the race down the back they'll know he's there.

"He's racing with a lot of confidence and is very strong. Everything is right for him going into the race. But it won't be easy. It never is."

Dash Of Blue after winning the North V South Challenge at Gawler – Richard in middle/front with hat

Bookmaker Tab.com.au has Dash Of Blue at $4.40 for the final following his 30.56 heat win while favouritism is with fastest heat winner (30.35) Could Be King at $3.30.

Other major players in betting include Ravers Army ($4.80) and Coorong Cam ($5) from boxes four and five respectively.

For Pearce, who now finds himself on the cusp of a surprise Group 1 berth, his training career spans all the way back to 1965.

"Back then I was chasing Pilot dogs around Waterloo Corner," he remembered.

"I've been lucky enough to have some good dogs over the years, the best of them Where's Pancho, he won close to 50 races.

"Out the back now I have a litter by him actually and they look great. But whether they can run or not? The clock will tell me that."