For Darryl Thomas, the ride of La Grand Quality over the past few months has been special.
“It’s been great,” said Thomas.
“It’s been a little bit of a rollercoaster where we’ve had a few issues with him along the way, but he just performs every time we put him down now.
Beginning with victory in the time-honoured Taylor Family Clarence Valley Maiden at the Grafton Greyhounds in July, La Grand Quality set in motion a run of nine victories from 12 starts including a track record at Warragul (trial) along with the Group 2 Warragul Cup in January this year.
Also, to occur during this run of wins was a new track record over the 450m (24.56s) at Maitland, the very track he’ll be looking to qualify through the Husqvarna Maitland Gold Cup Heats tomorrow night.
Trainer Darryl Thomas said that while it’s been quite the ride, when it comes to race time on Thursday night, it will be all business.
“He’s naturally strong.
“He came out really well in the Warragul Cup, Crimson Vixen had terrific speed early but he really runs the bends well, that’s where he makes his man run so hopefully he comes out well tomorrow and if he does I reckon he can put it to Turbo Thomas through the bends.”
The Heat 2 pre-race favourite won’t have it all his own way though from box 8 with the Australian TAB track win record holder Turbo Thomas drawing the 4.
La Grand Quality boasts an impressive record at Maitland of five wins from five starts, including that new track record, while the Jason Mackay-trained Turbo Thomas possesses a formidable 12 from 12 record at the track, which certainly sets up a tantilising head-to-head matchup.
“It’s going to be a good race.
“I probably would have preferred to race him in the final, but it will be a good race.
“Turbo Thomas is just so genuine, and I think this dog (La Grand Quality) is pretty genuine now so he’s starting to come out well. If they go head-to-head it will be a very close finish.”
Based at Sawyers Gully in the Hunter Valley, Darryl Thomas is no stranger to the Maitland track and outlined the local Cup as one to watch for the Group winning star in his kennel.
“Yeah it’s been on the radar for a while now. It would be great (to make the Final).
“It’s just great for the dog. He holds the track record there and it’s a chance for him to shine in this race - he’s looking good.
“We’ve had a few little issues along the way since his last start, but I think he’s nearly back to his best.
“He’s drawn well in his Heat, but he can’t afford to make any mistakes this week so he has to do everything right.”
Thomas will be looking to claim his first Maitland Gold Cup and victory to La Grand Quality in Thursday night’s Heat will make that dream one step closer to reality.
Read the form ahead of Thursday night’s Group 2 Husqvarna Maitland Gold Cup Heats here.
Photo courtesy of GRV Media.
