Inside draw a welcome change for Partland in Aus Day Trophy

By Wayne Heming

Locally-based trainer Mark Partland admits he is ‘excited’ to see how his black dog Saintly Highway performs from the coveted one box in the Australia Day Trophy final (498m) at Townsville on Tuesday night.

“Since I purchased him from Angela Langton in Victoria he hasn’t started inside box five in five starts,” said Partland.

“He has raced wide in most of his runs and I am excited to see what he can do from an inside box, to be honest.”

Saintly Highway was building a picket fence winning four races in succession around the Townsville circuit before his last start fourth over the course last Tuesday from box seven, in 29.08 seconds ended the streak.

“He’s a nice big, beautiful dog,” said Partland.

 ‘It was a credit to Angela the condition he was when I got him in.

“He was in magnificent order.”

Langton is a key part of a long-time, successful family greyhound operation based in Anakie, a small country town of around 800 people nestled between Geelong and Bacchus Marsh.

Since coming north, the Tommy Shelby-Kumbia Lass dog has had plenty of success on the track, but very little luck in box draws.

"He has had to race three and four wide on the track in his races so it will be good to see what he can do if he gets closer to the rail,” said Partland.

“I can’t wait to see him get closer to the rails.

“He is not a great beginner but at 34 kilograms, he is a dog who just puts himself in a good position usually."

Partland decided to purchase the dog after he was contacted by Langton.

“I watched a few videos and liked what I saw,” he said.

“Up here you need a dog that can run 600 metres and I think this guy will be able to do that.”

Partland is eyeing the upcoming Young Gun series and plans to freshen Saintly Highway up following Tuesday’s big race.

“That’s what we are aiming for with him,” Partland said.

With around 80 winners last year, the Partland family is experiencing a high point in racing.

“It’s a good little family affair. My wife, Louise helps me and my daughter Mikaela, boxes dogs for me.”

Partland could land the feature double on the Townsville card on Tuesday night with Rosdue Beach (box three) a chance in the opening race, the $7,700 Robert Olsen Maiden Final over 380 metres.

Rosdue Beach made her belated debut at Townsville finishing third from box two in a heat of the Maiden behind Federal Tommy beaten 2.25 lengths, but according to Partland pulled up a bit ordinary.

“She pulled up average, to be honest, it was hot and humid and it knocked her about a little, but she is 100 per cent now,” Partland said.

“She is a very nice little bitch.

“She’s drawn well but up against some very good young pups who have some hot trial times.

“She jumped fair in her heat and she got home quite well pulling a bit back on the two leaders which are drawn beside her in the final.

“I’m pretty happy with where she is at the moment and if she jumps better she will give her best.”