Douch’s ‘Great’ expectations

[Wandering Eyes]

The Great 8 Regional Series has been welcomed with open arms by provincial trainers.

And Maffra’s Des Douch is one of a throng singing its praises.

“Many country trainers don’t get the opportunity to race in the city,” he said.

“So, this concept allows them the chance of grabbing excellent prizemoney – it’s a big incentive.

“And, as a result, we’ve got some good dogs coming down here.”

Douch was referring to Sale on Wednesday night, where he has a runner in each of the $7000 to-the-winner Great 8 Regional Series events.

“She can fly the lids and run fast times… If she jumps, they won’t beat her.”

He has Magical Mavis (Box 2) engaged over 440 metres (Race 6 – 8.32pm) and Queen Lina (Box 5) lining up over 520 metres (Race 8 – 9.10pm).

Subsequently he’s racing for a $14,000 payday in just under 40 minutes!

A Launching Pad semi-finalist, Magical Mavis has won six races from 11 starts. She’s two from four on this track/distance with a 24.60sec PB.

And she’s “absolutely going enormous”, according to Douch.

“She can fly the lids and run fast times… If she jumps, they won’t beat her.”

Douch isn’t as buoyant about Queen Lina, a winner of four races from 11 starts which has a 29.48sec PB on this track/distance. She was a reserve for last week’s Pink Diamond Princess final.

“I’ve probably thrown her into the deep end… She’s as honest as the day is long but probably not up to this class.

“However, she’ll come out and run straight before coming across.”

A former track rider, Douch assisted his brothers – Alan and Garry – with a star team of thoroughbreds which took them to eight consecutive Gippsland (Bairnsdale, Moe, Sale and Traralgon) trainer’s premierships.

Consequently, he’s named some of his greyhounds after racehorses he’s been associated with – such as Big Flood, Big Zap and Brueghelino, which is the dam of Magical Mavis.

Pawnote: Catani trainer Graeme Jose also has a runner in each event – Lots Of Chatter (Race 6, Box 8) and Simba’s Girl (Race 8, Box 8).

WATCH: MAGICAL MAVIS (B3) shades LOVE THE CITY (B1) in a hotly contested Launching Pad heat at Sandown Park on March 31.

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