The proficiency of some trainers simply flies under the radar… Enter Des Douch.

Based at Maffra, Douch has a relatively small team – compared to most professional trainers – but his expertise has produced an impressive strike rate on provincial tracks.

He currently sits second on the Warragul ‘Winning Trainers Report’ with 65 runners for 33 wins (50.77%), seven seconds (10.77%) and 12 thirds (18.46%) over the past year.

And fifth at Sale with 63 runners for 21 wins (33.33%), 10 seconds (15.87%) and seven thirds (11.11%) over the past year.

But tonight, he heads to the ‘big smoke’ with his latest star prospect – Ride The Thunder.

Bred in Queensland, Ride The Thunder (Apr ’20 Zambora Brockie x Tahlia’s Way) contests a $10,975 Mixed 6/7 final (515m) – Race 3, 6.50pm.

He occupies box four in the $7300 to-the-winner event – the same draw from which he posted the fastest heat win (29.31sec) and best time of the day last weekend.

Owned by the Bob Racing syndicate, Ride The Thunder commenced his career with a 22.52sec win over 400m at Warragul on May 31 prior to finishing runner-up in the Listed Mick Byrne Memorial (520m) at Albion Park.

He’s only raced on four occasions for two wins and two seconds with $10,100 in prizemoney.

His dam, Tahlia’s Way, started 43 times for 16 wins, nine seconds and four thirds. She was a 2017 G1 Winter Cup finalist (520m) at Albion Park and finished runner-up in the 2017 G3 Chairman’s Cup (720m) at Wentworth Park.

Pawnote: A former track rider, Douch assisted his brothers – Alan and Garry – with a star team of thoroughbreds which took them to eight consecutive Gippsland (Bairnsdale, Moe, Sale and Traralgon) trainer’s premierships.

WATCH: Crack youngster RIDE THE THUNDER (B4) was lightning-fast at Sandown Park on Sunday, July 17.