Trainer Matt Wright says he’s been waiting 20 years to get a greyhound like Lightning Frank (pictured above).
But while Wright has a big opinion of Lightning Frank, he’s hopeful rather than confident his exciting youngster can claim the second feature success at Bendigo of his brief five-start career when he contests the GRV Vic Bred Series Final on Friday afternoon.
Lightning Frank opened his career in auspicious fashion at Bendigo last month when taking out a Vic Bred Maiden series, highlighted by a stunning ten-length heat victory.
“I’ve been waiting about 20 years to get a dog with his ability,” said 39-year-old Matt Wright, who combines training his small team with running a fencing business at Allansford, near Warrnambool.
“I’ve been waiting about 20 years to get a dog with his ability” – trainer Matt Wright
“We always knew he was pretty handy. Even as a young pup he was trialling some pretty unbelievable times at that stage of his preparation.
“He just needs to clean up his box manners a bit. He can really go early, but being a big, rangy dog I think he just needs a few strides to get going. But I’m certainly not complaining because he’s done a pretty good job so far.”
After winning the maiden series in impressive style, Wright decided to return to Bendigo for the 6/7 grade event and Lightning Frank, a son of 2013 Melbourne Cup hero Black Magic Opal, booked a place in Friday’s $4000 to-the-winner final when running second in his heat to Prince Scarlet.
WATCH: Lightning Frank win the Vic Bred Maiden Final at Bendigo in July from box eight.
“We targeted the Vic Breeders maiden series with him and then this race came up, which was worth good money for a 6/7 grade race, but it’s brought a good class of dog with it. There’s some very nice pups in the race,” Wright explained.
“Lightning Frank ran a really good race in his heat (replay) but the winner was just too good and after drawing the pink it looks like it’s drawn to win again. My dog had his chance last week and couldn’t pick him up so I wouldn’t think he could turn the tables unless he’s a bit closer.
“Prince Scarlet is probably the one to beat but there’s a lot of depth in the race and I wouldn’t be discarding any of them.
“Box four isn’t ideal for my dog and he’ll need plenty of luck but it’s a good learning curve for him.
“I also train Lightning Frank’s litter brother Dan The Man. He’s got a lot of speed but he hasn’t got the ability of Lightning Frank. I think Dan The Man will probably be a 400-450 dog but Lightning Frank looks like he’ll get the 500, although you can’t be sure until you try them.”
WATCH: A very happy Matt Wright after Lightning Frank won his first feature on Bendigo Cup night.
