As the name suggests, Super Sook is a sook off the track but according to Hazelwood trainer Vicki Wisener he is ready to take on some of the best greyhounds Victoria has to offer in the 2017 $67,000 Warragul Cup.
Super Sook, who is a winner of 15 races from 50 starts is also the only locally trained greyhound in the Group Two feature run over the 460 metre distance at Warragul.
Last week in the heats, Super Sook surprised Wisener by finishing second to track record holder and three-time group race winner Aston Bolero.
“Super Sook surprised me how strong he finished off the race, and to make ground off a dog like Aston Bolero is a credit to him,” Wisener said.
“I went into the race hoping for a miracle because of the dogs that Super Sook was up against but he worked hard to get through the field and it is a credit to him. I know this dog can run.”
Just four months ago, Vicki made the move from Queensland to Victoria chasing more opportunities for her greyhounds.
“There is a high standard in Victoria and to make sure you stay competitive the dogs have to be treated the best way possible.”
Vicki may be new to Victorian racing but she left behind a successful greyhound establishment in Queensland which she ran for more than 15 years.
“My parents trained greyhounds when we were kids. Greyhound racing has always been a constant for me and I couldn’t imagine life without them.”
“I love them so much because even if you’re having a bad day they will be wagging their tales and so happy to see you. You build a relationship with each and every one of them.”
On Saturday night, Vicki and her 33-kilo chaser will compete in the biggest Victorian race of their careers with Super Sook drawing box seven.
“He does like the outside box draws because it gives him some room to move but I really think I will be hoping for a miracle. Saying that, anything could happen – I have confidence he can run and that he will do his best,” Wisener said.
Although local representation is low in the second leg of the Gippsland Carnival, the talent is high with 2016 $600,000 Group One Melbourne Cup winner Ando’s Mac and track record holders Aston Bolero and Aston Dee Bee also in the field.
