GREYHOUNDS
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One Cudal family will have an Australia Day to remember if All Too Fancy wins today’s Shakey Jakey @ Stud Orange Cup Final (520m) at Bathurst.
The chaser will jump from box three in the $4,000-to-the-winner decider, one of the biggest races of the year at the Upfold Street track.
All Too Fancy is trained and owned by Dennis and Ann Barnes and will be handled in the final by their daughter, Sandra Spratt.
With Sandra’s husband Chris, their two infant sons Jock and Archie and Dennis and Ann’s other daughter Tracy also assisting with the couple’s greyhounds, the sport is something all the family can enjoy.
“It’s nice to go to the big races as family,” Tracy said.
“Jock is only three but he loves helping out with the greyhounds. It’s lovely to see him walking around with a dog lead.
“Archie is a bit younger, but I’m sure it won’t be long before we see him carrying a collar and helping out too.
“We’ll have a nice dinner and a few drinks if we win and it will definitely make this Australia Day extra special.”
All Too Fancy has been a solid sprinter for stalwart trainers Dennis and Ann, who have bred several good greyhounds over the years with the ‘Fancy’ moniker.
Last week’s smart 29.85 victory in the heats was her 12th win in 34 starts and she looks the one to beat here.
Another Bathurst hopeful, Kevin Pearce’s Bass Louder (box six), looks the strongest opponent.
“I was really excited seeing her do so well in the heats,” Tracy said. “This week will be different as she is not jumping straight onto the rail.
“I’m more of a ‘wait-and-see’ person with races and these are top-quality greyhounds, (but) I think she has a chance.”
Tracy will also deserve a toast in the post-race celebrations if All Too Fancy wins.
“I picked her out of the litter,” she said with a smile.
“I used to run up and down the paddock and she would run with me (as a pup). She seemed the friendliest of the litter as well.
“She’s so beautiful and placid.
“The sport is good fun and relaxing. I work in an office, so it’s nice doing something outdoors.
“It’s nice we can share something as a family as well.”
Ten races are on the card at Bathurst and action starts at 4.03pm.