Wizard to cast his greyhound spell

13 April 2012

Having dominated the marathon ranks over the past two years it is a surprising fact to note that the queen of the 'lung-bursters', Spenwood Wizard, has yet to strike gold in the £6,000 Evening Standard Television Trophy at Wimbledon. But it could well be a case of third time lucky for this game black bitch who was just touched off in last year's event by the flying late lunge of Hollinwood Poppy and is set to renew rivalry this evening.

Trained by Chris Emmerson last year, the mantle has now passed to Jo Burridge, a veteran in the industry whose happy disposition is so refreshing in an age when most sports have the sole aim of winning for pure financial gain, nothing more, nothing less.

Based in Blandford, Dorset, Burridge caught the canine bug as a teenager when her parents took her to greyhound racing at Poole and the now defunct Southampton track. "I loved it the moment I saw my first race and knew greyhounds would play a major part in my life," Burridge said.

She joined the training ranks in the early 1970s, first at Poole and then for14 years attached to Portsmouth before returning to the West Country track in 1997.

"It's a good base to train from and I have a great team with my husband Gary, who needs a medal for staying with me for 32 years, and my other great helpers Sharon and Marie," said Burridge.

Before Spenwood Wizard arrived down south in August, Burridge's biggest star in the canine world came courtesy of the brilliant You Will Call, winner of the £20,000 Reading Masters in 1998 and twice a Derby quarter-finalist.

"He was a cracking dog, very versatile and so game," Burridge said. "On the downside my biggest disappointment was in the late 1980s when Bunclody Jack ran in the final of the Blue Riband at Wembley and led everywhere but the line. I was actually running with him trying to urge him over the line in the last few metres, but it wasn't to be and he was beaten the shortest of short heads."

But once again a major victory could be in sight, despite the fact that many pundits feel that Spenwood Wizard is now feeling the effects of a hard career, having been beaten at odds-on in her last three marathon starts.

A former champion apprentice hairdresser, Burridge refutes the claims that her charge has lost her sparkle over the last six months. "When we were beaten by Spenwood Gem at Wimbledon it was the fastest time of the year over course and distance," Burridge said. "Sure, we were disappointed, but it was a good run.

"And behind Easy and Breezy at Poole it was the same thing, the fastest time over the eight bends at that track. What I do like is the make-up of the race. If there is to be any early trouble it is more likely to come on the inside so we should, in theory, be out of the way, so 4-1 could prove a big price.

"Having said that this is probably the best Evening Standard Television Trophy and all the dogs have good claims."

It is hard not to disagree with Burridge. I anticipate that Spenwood Gem - the sister of Spenwood Wizard - will trap to the left probably causing some trouble inside. It is therefore imperative that Spenwood Wizard comes out ahead of last year's winner Hollinwood Poppy getting first run on her old rival.

The inside duo of Sexy Delight and Drumsna Cross are closely matched, but both must lead to win.

The former had no luck in running in her heat and is better drawn here, but must lead up, while El Poker will need a minor miracle to escape early bunching.

So the scenario is that Spenwood Wizard goes on at the three-quarter marker and holds Spenwood Gem and the strong Hollinwood Poppy to make it third time lucky for connections.

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Wizard to cast his greyhound spell

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