By Pat McLeod

Doug Gladman is determined to let his next young kennel star, Hudson Bay, set his own big race compass.

The Bernardo – Ally Oop Keats chaser is firming as a strong contender in the $11,600 Wynnum Haulage Capalaba Young Guns Final (366m) on Sunday with a four wins from five outings spread-sheet to date – all at Capalaba.

The veteran trainer is impressed with the youngster and will even consider a possible Capalaba Cup campaign, but will ultimately ‘leave that up to the dog’.

“He (Hudson Bay) is probably showing more at the moment than any dog that we have had to date and I am determined not to rush him,” said Gladman

“He might even go on to the Capalaba Cup, but he would have to mature a little bit. He is running times at the moment that are comparable to the best.

“My wife (Heather) and I will think about whether we will start him in the Capalaba Cup, but you have to understand that we are in this sport for satisfaction, achievement and excitement.

“Money is not the issue. But, of course if that race presents itself and we believe that it would be beneficial for him to go round in that race, then why not?

“I will definitely think about it.

“But unlike last year when we set Tyanna Belle for the Phoenix, I have not set this dog for any race at the moment.

“I am just waiting for him to tell me what he wants to do. He is quite an immature dog, a big puppy.

“It is very nice for people to say that he could win this or do that, but I will let the dog tell me.

“I am not chasing a start in the cup.”

Gladman’s mention of Tyanna Belle is appropriate. The pixie-like champion is the Gladman’s greyhound fairytale, winning through to the final of the 2022 Phoenix.

Although she finished unplaced in that feature, she retired soon after with a prizemoney tally of $184,450 from 76 starts.

It’s early days and Gladman will not put the weight of expectation on Hudson Bay, but there are promising signs.

“He could develop into a very good dog,” was his summation.

“He is out of a very good family and by a boom sire.

“I have had good dogs that I have rushed a little bit around the curve and there is always the danger of injuries if you do that.

“So, I am very happy to be racing him at Capalaba at this early stage, but that is just the way it has worked out.

“There will be no issue with him going onto the circle track. It is just at the moment the best program for him is at Capalaba.

“He was quite unlucky in the Michael Miller Final (when fourth to Stephen Keep’s All Lies Ahead). But he has won the other races quite decisively, which has been very heartening.

“I have no doubt that he will get 500 metres, but again, I have no wish to rush him at all. He is only 19 months old.

“I think he has quite a good future. It is hard to compare with other greyhounds … but there will never be another Tyanna Belle.”  

Hudson Bay has drawn Box 4 for the Young Guns final and Gladman has no issue with that.

“That draw is fine for Hudson Bay because he comes out very straight,” he said.

“If he comes out clean I believe he will be thereabouts in this race. I’m not saying he will win, but he certainly will be thereabouts.”

Gladman has another starter in Sunday’s final, Abel Tasman, out of Box 7.

“This dog has got more ability than what he has shown so far,” he said.

“He has just been unlucky, very unlucky – with injuries, box draws, a lot of things.

“He has trialed really well, but just keeps having bad luck.”

Both Douglas and Heather Gladman are looking forward to Sunday’s Capalaba program.

It is a track they enjoy racing at.

“There is certainly a different atmosphere at Capalaba these days,” Gladman said.

“It is a country atmosphere with a professional air about it.

“I believe it is unparalleled.

“You are comfortable to be there and you also know that things will be done well.”