Often likened to asking a parent to choose a favourite child, inquiring about where Nangar Jim, the Temora Cup victor, stands among the illustrious greyhounds in Joe McFadyen's kennel elicits an immediate response.
A commanding win in Sunday’s $40,000 Group 3 Ladbrokes Temora Cup further solidified McFadyen's remarkable streak since taking over the training of Nangar Jim back in July last year. Since then, Nangar Jim has graced the track 22 times, securing victory in 13 races and clinching second place in six others. Notable triumphs include the Temora Cup, the Maitland Gold Cup, along with a commendable second-place finish in both the Bulli Cup and Goulburn Cup.
“I think all the unplaced runs were in group heats or finals. He's just incredible. His racing traits are impeccable. I can't praise him enough,” remarked McFadyen.
“He's undoubtedly the best dog I’ve had. While the others performed admirably, he's the first genuine Group class dog I've trained."
McFadyen continued, “With the other dogs, making it to a final was an achievement in itself, but with him, it doesn't matter what race he's in. His racing traits guarantee you're in contention. If he can lead - and that’s his forte and typically what he does - you're in with a chance no matter the competition.”
Executing flawlessly by seizing the lead from box 6, Nangar Jim's victory in the Temora Cup was a display of dominance as he cruised to a 3½ length victory over Overflow Beau in 25.56s, with Victorian Tattooed trailing a further half-length behind in third.
“I’m still pinching myself. He was just exceptional. Brilliant.”
The journey to victory came following a visit to witness the semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Country Classic at Dubbo.
McFadyen, with a runner in Saturday night’s semis, Nangar Luna, faced a gruelling five-hour trek to and from Dubbo, followed by an eight-hour journey to and from Temora on Sunday. He contemplated taking Jim to Dubbo and completing just one round trip.
Opting to leave Nangar Luna in the kennel, McFadyen was prepared to take Nangar Jim to a nearby park if he became agitated. However, even amidst the lure's lure during 12 races, Jim remained composed.
“I thought if I need to drive to a park or something when the lure starts going around, I’ll do that,” he explained. “But he's such an intelligent dog. He heard the lure and stood up, knowing it was different because he hadn't been kennelled. We just sat there together with both van doors open all night. Never an issue.”
Up next on the agenda is the Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg, with heats scheduled for March 30, semi-finals on April 6, and the grand final on April 13.
Nangar Jim boasts two victories in three starts at Wentworth Park, clocking a best time of 29.76s.
“He's recorded 29.7s there, but he's considered more of a 450m specialist. However, 500m won't faze him at all,” affirmed McFadyen.
“He trialled 29.16s at Gosford before the Gosford Cup and 29.2s at The Gardens before the Black Top. The consensus is that he excels at one turn, and his form supports that. While he's yet to prove himself on two turns in Group company, I have a feeling we may see a different story by the end of his career.”