Caption: Blue Art (Rob Ayres) may book himself a Rockhampton Cup campaign depending on his performance at Albion Park on Thursday night. (Photo: Box 1 Photography)
By Pat McLeod
Glass House Mountains trainer Rob Ayres is patiently waiting on the next ‘interesting’ career growth spurt of his very handy sprinter Blue Art.
Part of a successful home-bred litter, the Tommy Shelby x Boscono chaser is taking a six-win streak into Thursday night’s 5th Grade Final (520m) at Albion Park.
Ayres isn’t confident of victory, but he is confident Blue Art (box 2) will continue to improve.
“The breed is slow maturing,” he says.
“It is the same for most of the litter. They will continue to mature and continue to improve.
“A while ago I predicted that when this dog (Blue Art) had reached a certain maturity he would show that he is a good race dog.
“That is where we are now. He has learnt how to race and is showing that.
“But there is more to come with this bloke.
“His best days will be when he is at The Q. I can’t wait to see him race on that big one-turn track.
“He has already shown that he likes the big Grafton track and I am sure it will be the same at The Q.
“That’s why he loves racing at Capalaba. He’s not the greatest beginner, but his mid-section is very strong and, especially if he has some room, he can really motor.”
To date Blue Art has shown that he is a quality race dog, with his 37 starts reaping 13 wins and 15 placings for $47,405 in prizemoney.
His recent successful campaign includes wins at Ipswich, Capalaba, Grafton and Albion Park.
However, Ayres has reservations about another win at ‘The Creek’ on Thursday night.
“There are some very good dogs in this field,” he says.
“John Corrigan’s Uno Nangar (box 6) is the obvious danger. John is a very good trainer and he has a very good dog.
“If she crosses and leads, it’s all over. But also she is a very strong finisher so can easily come from behind to win.
“Jeff Crawford’s dog in box 1 (Star Turn) is also fast.
“So, you can’t go into this race with confidence. But my bloke will give 100 per cent.
“It all comes down to luck in running.”
Ayres says he initially had doubts as to whether Blue Art would progress through to the final after last week’s heat win.
“I was a little concerned because he appeared to be limping after the run and he did get a knock on the first turn,” he said.
“However, he pulled up fine.
“I have (top trainer) Travis Elson check my dogs and he has given him the all-clear.”
Ayres also has littermate Art Of Deception racing in a 5th Grade (520m) event at Albion Park on Thursday night and says the performances of both his dogs could lead to a trip away.
He is considering a trek north for a Rockhampton Cup campaign (heats April 9 and Final April 16).
“I don’t know if they are good enough, but Thursday night will give an indication, especially for Blue Art,” Ayres said.
“If they go really well on Thursday night, then why not.
“A change of scenery, a different track, can also do a dog the world of good.”
