One of the many highlights so far of the Greg Stella-Magistrate partnership, victory in the 2023 Group 3 Origin Greyhound Series Sprint (520m) at Albion Park. (Photo: Box 1 Photography)   

By Pat McLeod

Brisbane trainer Greg Stella can read form guides and race patterns as well anyone and understands why his ever-consistent Magistrate is at double-figure odds to win Thursday night’s Group 1 $375,000 Garrard’s Gold Bullion Final (520m) at Albion Park.

But the 60-year-old, highly respected mentor also respects the vagaries of greyhound racing, and the age-old catch-cry that is never truer than in this sport – right place, right time.

“You have Jay Is Jay (Selena Zammit), the track record holder, and Morton (Jessica Sharp), coming off a Derby win here in 29.65,” he says matter-of-factly.

“They are the elite dogs in the race, and others who are good, solid top grade dogs.

“So, as an overview, a month out this was the plan, and we have made the final, so we are happy.

“I know that there are a lot of better dogs than him (Magistrate), but he has made plenty of nice races and we are just happy to be there.

“At the end of the day, if we ran a place we would be happy.

“That is the reality.”

However, that is where the ‘right place, right time’ adage presents a tantalizing, ‘dare to dream’ scenario.

Magistrate (Box 2) and Travis Elson’s Bear’s Bullet (Box 1) have both built impressive group racing careers on being consistent, fast beginners.

They are likely to reach the pivotal first corner in front.

Stella then ponders the outcome.

“This is an interesting, high-speed race,” he says.

“Magistrate will get his chance to get onto the speed.

“On paper, and this is only on paper, it is hard to see anyone crossing some of those speed dogs.

“That doesn’t mean those (outside) dogs haven’t got more ability, because the five (Morton) and the eight (Jay Is Jay) have got plenty of ability.

“But if they can’t get across and lead, they still have to get in on the first corner.

“Bear’s Bullet is very consistent with early speed. It will be hard to cross her.

“The other dog of Selena and Michael Zammit’s, All Natural (Box 4), has good speed and ability. That was his first run in the heat off an injury and a long break.

“He has high speed as well.

“There won’t be much room to move at that first corner, that is for sure.

“There will be a genuine battle early, but that is always the case in these high-quality races.

“After all, it is a Group 1 race worth $250,000 to the winner.”

Magistrate (Fernando Bale – Inspired Hope) has proven strengths that have resulted in two Group 3 wins across 52 starts for $348,740 in prizemoney.

He has shown incredible consistency, finishing out of the top three just six times in those 52 starts.

Stella has an enormous admiration for the greyhound he rates as his ‘best-ever race dog’.

However, he also knows Magistrate’s Achilles heel.

“He has pulled up well after the run last Thursday night, when a better dog (Morton) beat him on the night,” says Stella.

“However, Magistrate did get out well, he led and he only was beaten in the last stride.

“That race was classic Magistrate. He gets out and goes, but he is vulnerable at the end.

“That won’t change.

“He is an on-speed dog and his final section is vulnerable.

“That is his pattern. He tries to find the front and that is it.

“So, it is great to be there and he can match them early on his night.”

Stella says that while feature race nights do bring their own unique pressures, he and wife Michelle, a former trainer who is also jointly involved in the kennel’s workload, enjoy the excitement of big-race involvement.

“You really need to enjoy these dogs when they are racing at this level because you don’t know when the next one will come along,” he said.

“Michelle, she gets a huge thrill out of this dog. She is a big help at home. It is a team effort.

“Magistrate has bought us both plenty of joy.

“Michelle catches him most big race nights and she will be there on Thursday night.

“You never know, Magistrate might pinch a big race. And if he doesn’t you will know that he has done his best.

“It is not unimaginable for him to win this race, but on times he would have to have a lot go his way.

“But, also, they are not machines and Magistrate will get his chance.

“As we often see, the best dogs don’t always win. It does come down to who gets the best run.

“One night, with a little bit of luck, you never know.”

Right place, right time.