By David Lewis
KYNETON trainer Scott Millard’s first-time trip over to Tara Raceway last Thursday turned out to be worthwhile when Marionvale Gal was successful in the Gambier Vets Maiden Stake over 305 metres.
Away well from box seven, the daughter of My Redeemer and Victorian city winner Moneypenny, chased Rose Of Terang for much of the journey before grabbing her in the shadows of the post for a head win in 18.20 seconds.
The win came at Marionvale Gal’s 30th start, Millard purchasing her for $1000 after she had raced on five occasions for two minor placings at Shepparton.
“I’ve been training greyhounds now for 2½ years,” said the 40-year-old Millard.
“But I’m still a work in progress and figuring things out for myself.
“Being only a 26 kilogram bitch, she was finding the run up the Healesville straight pretty tough going against the larger dogs.
“So the idea of coming here had been to take advantage of the 305-metre distance and its bend – along with the finish-on lure.”
Based on 10 acres, Millard currently has three greyhounds in work and is now looking forward to lots of pups coming on.
Meanwhile, local trainers Tracie Price of Compton and Allendale East-based David Peckham did well across the border last week.
Price, who kicked off June at Tara Raceway with a treble – Just Paddy, Compton Minnie and Ebby Justice – was successful at Horsham with Honey Rocks and Mister Banjo, who both won over 410 metres.
Peckham won with Zipping Jazz over 450 metres at Warrnambool’s Monday meeting.
He then returned on Thursday night with Aston Ziebell and Federal Flash who ran the quinella in a 450 metres grade five event.