Aero Sacundai delights Taberner in Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby heats

Taberner pleased with Aero Sacundai ahead of Derby second round

Richie Taberner admits he was thrilled with how Aero Sacundai ran to finish second behind Barntick Bear in the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby heats.

Returning from four weeks off and having his first start over four bends since November, Aero Sacundai showed his usual electric early speed to race clear and was only reeled in by the winner close home to be beaten a length and three-quarters.

His trainer admits his charge exceeded expectations on his comeback.

“I didn’t think that was on the cards first run back,” explained Taberner.

“That was his first four-bend race for seven months, so we were just hoping to see him go through. We lost two weeks’ preparation after a fall he had at Monmore. We wanted him to go in fresh, but not as fresh as he did! 

“It was a massive surprise to see him run as well as that.”

Taberner was particularly pleased with how his sprinter saw out the trip.

He continued: “To be fair, Barntick Bear got a bit of trouble down the back, but our fellow ran on a lot stronger than I expected.

“Everybody has told me I’m a fool and that the dog won’t stay, but I’ve been adamant for a long time that he’ll stay 480m. I’m not saying he stays 500m fully but if he can pull a long enough lead out, then he might hang on.

“He was as fresh as a daisy the next morning. You wouldn’t know he had a race the next day.”

More to come from Sacundai?

Aero Sacundai goes in heat nine of the second round on Saturday evening and his handler believes there could be plenty more to come.

“He didn’t trap last week, so if he can come away this time, then I’d expect him to string them out down the back straight,” Taberner added.

“Hopefully, we have a bit of luck in behind.”

Taberner is also represented by Droopy Maximus on Friday but his handler isn’t too optimistic about his chances.

The November 2022 son of Droopys Sydney could only manage third place behind Soul Choice when sent off a 10/11 favourite last Saturday and he has plenty on his plate in heat five.

Taberner said: “Droops Maximus just isn’t running the track, which is shame. 

"He’s not attacking the bends and the track just doesn’t suit his style of running, unfortunately. I think we’ll need a bit of luck in running to qualify.”