Wagga to run just two heats of the Million Dollar Chase

The Illabo trainer will line up last start winner Smart Desire and Kinda Hush in the two heats.

However they were both last-minute entries.

“I was rung to see if we had some dogs to put in with the lack of noms, and I honestly wouldn’t go in the race up front,” Sims said.

“They are just not ready for that type of race.

“But one dog (Smart Desire) is a last start winner there, first time over the 525.

“He’s nothing special but will win his share of races.”

Smart Desire has drawn six in the second of two heats while Kinda Hush will start from the same box in the first.

Heading into just her fifth start, Sims expects she will be better for racing over a longer distance in time.

“She will be a good distance bitch,” he said.

“I’m only working her through until she gets to 6-700 and the experience will do her the world of good.”

Sims rued the timing of the event with a number of his more well-credentialed greyhounds, including Nations and Pride Of Charlie moving to different kennels, or being injured, before the new race series was announced.

“If I had that band of dogs they would be up to up their necks in it,” Sims said.

After a late scurry, Wagga only attracted enough greyhounds for two heats.

Bathurst kicked off the series with four heats on Monday night before Lismore held four on Tuesday.

Nominations were extended in an attempt to attract more greyhounds for the feature event, but only 16 greyhounds will take part.

It was originally planned for four heats to be run but Wagga Greyhound Club racing manager John Patton isn’t disappointed the club couldn’t attract more.

“We’ve got two heats and you can only get whoever nominates,” Patton said.

“I’ve done everything I can to promote it.”

With Temora also hosting heats later this month Patton believes it could have diluted the racing pool.

However he still expects two quality races as part of the 10-strong card.

He expects the concept to garner more support next year.

“It is the first year of this, it was only announced a month ago, and it can only get bigger and better,” he said.

The first race is at 5.57pm with the first of the Million Dollar Chase heats at 7.46pm.