Why Run Fast Maximus Is An Ageless Marvel

TRAINER Clint Colaiacovo has heaped the ultimate accolade on his grand campaigner Run Fast Maximus ahead of his bid to make it six straight wins at Wagga on Friday night.

Closing in on 5 ½ years of age, a seemingly ageless Run Fast Maximus has faced the starter on 103 occasions for 36 victories and a further 42 placings, netting $80,000 in prize money.

FIELDS AND FORM WAGGA FRIDAY NIGHT

"He's just an old marvel – the best dog I've trained," Colaiacovo boasted.

"When he races you know he's going to give you 100% every time without fail.

"He hates getting beat and just loves going to the races. When you're going to the track with him you've got that extra spring in your step because you know what he's going to give you.

"I'm not sure how long he's got left but while he's going like he is there's no reason to stop. Just a pleasure to train, we love him and he loves racing."

The Victorians have a strong hand in the opening #Thunderbolt⚡ Heat at Wagga tonight, but can the locals bring a home-ground advantage?

Here's Run Fast Maximus winning over the 320m last week. Who's your pick?

Watch LIVE at 9:05pm AEST: https://t.co/wbA8eqfnMn#thedogs pic.twitter.com/quRz9LRYoE

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) May 27, 2022

Remarkably, 24 of Run Fast Maximus' 36 race wins have come at the Wagga 320 metre journey, the scene of his Masters assignment on Friday night.

Not bad for a chaser which took a handful of starts to crack his maiden after launching his career in Victoria with owner Adam Wilcock.

"I bred him and reared him and after a few starts got him back from Adam to train and he's just given us a wonderful ride," Colaiacovo added.

"He's a handful at home, everything is like a bull at a gate and he's very headstrong, and I think you see that in his races.

"Even in the catching pen after a race I've got to get in there and get him quickly before he looks to pick a fight. Just the most competitive dog I've been involved with."

When retirement does ultimately loom for the fawn flyer he won't do so with a multitude of trophies on the mantelpiece.

But that will matter little to Colaiacovo.

"There's no better feeling than taking him to the races – he just gives you that excitement and confidence," the trainer added.

"He's different and special at the same time and to achieve what he's achieved, over such a stretch of time, has created memories forever. He might not have won a big race but to us it feels like he has.

"Masters racing has obviously been big for him and created more opportunities and I think he's shown what is possible, even at his age.

"The day he does run his last race will be sad but probably more for him than me. He's filthy when he's left behind but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

"The only decision will be whether he retires on the lounge or in a yard."