The Phoenix ‘Dream' Is Real For Doug And Heather

IN 1998, Doug Gladman was invited by the United Nations to Amsterdam to present a paper on anti-social behaviour.

Doug, now 80, has spent his life since thinking that was the best thing that had happened to him.

But, on Saturday night, Doug and his wife Heather will be represented by Tyanna Belle (Cosmic Rumble-Shabeky) in the $1.65 million The Phoenix at The Meadows.

Doug is the first to admit he and Heather reckon they must be dreaming they are in the race.

“It's a dream to be in it,” said Doug. “But the dream is real.”

In her second attempt, the little speedster TYANNA BELLE gets her slice of triumph in the 2022 Listed Queensland Flame ?

Congratulations to her trainers Doug and Heather Gladman, you're off to contest the $1.65M @MelbourneGreys The Phoenix ? @BrisGreys #QLDisRacing? pic.twitter.com/W869xcyzLG

— RaceQ (@RaceQLD) December 1, 2022

Heather will stay back in Queensland at the weekend while Doug and Tyanna Belle's long-time handler Neil Denmar take on the world's best.

“We are taking on the best in the country,” said Doug. “And they are probably the best in the world.

“Well,” said Doug. “Tell me where there are better dogs.”

Doug has declined to rush Tyanna Belle to Victoria to trial in preparation for The Phoenix. He put her around Albion Park last Thursday to prep her for Saturday night.

“She's great,” he said. “I've never had her better. She is right at her peak.”

Doug is the first to admit her seven box in The Phoenix makes it hard for Tyanna Belle.

“But, three or four of those drawn just inside her are a bit slow early so that will be a help to us,” he said.

Doug, Neil and Tyanna Belle fly to Melbourne early Saturday morning and head straight for a pet friendly motel just 15 minutes from The Meadows.

“She's a great traveller so it will not be a worry,” said Doug.

“Look, after Saturday night her prizemoney will climb to at least $180,000 and not a lot of dogs win that sort of money.”

Doug is well aware price framers have her the rank outsider of The Phoenix.

“Tell those punters who like her you will get a run for your money if she can only get a clear run early,” he said.

Doug will give the handling duties to Neil who is her regular race night handler.

“He reckons he has been running through his speech,” said Doug.

“Neil is her No 1 fan.

“Yes, we will need a lot of luck to win it, but she's in it and as I said, I've never had her better.”