3 minute read
Destructively – aka “Jack”, named after former Collingwood cult hero Jack Ginnivan – can cause mayhem if ‘let loose’ in the $50,000 Sportsbet Emerald Series (300m) – Race 7, 12.47pm – at Healesville on Sunday.
Trained by Ashlee Terry, Destructively (Box 8) will 'line up' for a $30,000 'goal'.
The innovative 'Emerald' sees eight four-dog heats conducted with the eight fastest greyhounds from the heats regardless of finish position progressing to the final.
Destructively (Dec '21 Barcia Bale x Pyrocumulus) won his heat in 16.51sec and was the fifth fastest qualifier.
He's drawn box eight for the final and is $8.00 on Sportsbet's fixed odds market. The $2.80 equal favourites are NSW star Shall Not (Box 6), who is chasing his 13th straight win, and My Magic Man(Box 7). Both clocked 16.45sec and 16.41sec heat wins respectively and consequently were the two fastest qualifiers.
However, Ash is now a little more bullish about the chances of Destructively in the 'pink' trap.
"We were secretly hoping for box eight," she said. "To be honest, I think he had to draw the 'pink' to finish in the first three.
"He keeps drawing 'inside', but he likes it one or two out from the rail. From box eight, he should be competitive.
"But he needs to go a bit quicker to have a show of winning. He's still got a bit of learning to do in a field."
Ash indicated she's a fan of the unique 'Emerald' concept.
"I find it very interesting because it's so different. It gives you hope because it's a four-dog field in the heats.
"Sometimes you can draw a hard heat in a full field and not qualify for the final. The dog that finished second to us in the heat made the final, so that's a perfect illustration.
"There was also a 'running scoreboard' during the heats which had people engaged."
Destructively has won seven races from nine starts at Healesville and Ash 'divulged' his winning formula up the popular straight track.
"He does have really good speed and strength. He's got a good turn of foot.
"The 'straight' lets him balance up; he's not looking for a turn. It gives him a chance to show his ability and acceleration more than on a circle."
Destructively has won 12 races, with three seconds and one third, from 23 starts and $53,235 in prizemoney.
He won the 2023 Healesville Puppy Championship, defeating 'Emerald' rival My Magic Man, and this year finished third in the Horsham Rising Star and contested finals of the Warrnambool Derby and Shepparton Classic.
A mad Collingwood supporter – is there any other kind – Ash bestowed Destructively with the kennel name "Jack" in reference to young AFL young gun Jack Ginnivan while he was with the Magpies.
But when quizzed about changing his moniker at home given Ginnivan is now with the Hawks, Ash quipped: "It was very tempting. We may have to alter the "Jack" in reference to 'Crispy' (Jack Crisp)."
