Sandro Bechini, the mastermind behind distance champion Valpolicella, is optimistic that she has regained her form just in time for the Group 1 Queensland Cup Final (710m) at Albion Park on Thursday night.
"Valpolicella is nearing her peak performance again," said Bechini, a western Sydney accountant. "She's had a dip in form, but being back home has made her more relaxed. Her win in last week's heat was a clear sign of her revival. I'm feeling quite positive about Thursday night."
Bechini, 63, will attend the Queensland Cup night, the highlight of the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival. The evening will feature the prestigious Group 1 Queensland Cup and the one-million-dollar Brisbane Cup (520m), alongside four other significant races: the $75,000-to-the-winner Elite Machine Consolation Final (520m), the $30,000 Jamie Marsh Consolation Final (520m), the $30,000 Carnival Masters Final (520m), and the $16,000 Mick Byrne Memorial Final (520m).
Valpolicella had a stellar southern campaign, culminating in a victory in the $500,000-to-the-winner Ladbrokes 715 Final at The Gardens. However, her performance dipped during the Brisbane Winter Carnival, finishing sixth and then third in major races. Hall of Fame trainer Tony Zammit brought her back to form with a track-equalling 41.55-second run in last week's heat.
"She's had intense racing over the past few months along the East Coast, and some fatigue may have set in," Bechini explained. "But she's recovering now that she's been home for a few weeks. She looked rejuvenated in her last race, jumping beautifully and railing better."
Bechini's deep involvement in Valpolicella's career—breeding her, owning her, and securing top trainer Zammit—makes him sensitive to recent criticisms of her performances. "Criticism after her recent races is frustrating because people don't understand the challenges of maintaining a greyhound's form while travelling extensively," he said. "From 56 starts, she's had 30 wins and 19 placings, earning over a million dollars. Even without her big win at The Gardens, she'd still be one of the top stayers."
Another highly anticipated showdown between Valpolicella and Palawa King in the Queensland Cup is unlikely, as Palawa King is a second reserve. Bechini acknowledged Palawa King's prowess, stating that even if Valpolicella wins the Group 1 race, he still considers Palawa King the best.