MISSOULA, MT — If Will Gutman knew what he was starting when he began throwing sticks off the dock behind his cabin, he might have insisted on a bigger dock.

Gutman's black Labrador, Daisy June, not only won the Big Air competition in the Super Retriever Series, but she also jumped her way into the record book. On her fourth jump of the day, Daisy June sailed to 23 feet, 4 inches, a tie for the longest jump in Super Retriever Series competition.

"She's all talent," Gutman said. "I knew she could do this and I've been waiting for an opportunity."

The competition was the first for Gutman and Daisy June. But they are old hands at jumping.

Gutman owns a dock that sits on Flathead Lake near Missoula. And prior to the Big Air competition, Daisy June's experience boiled down to running off the 15-foot long structure after sticks

"But she could sail off that thing," Gutman said. "I wasn't sure how she would do on a longer dock, but I knew it would be something to watch,"

In the Super Retriever Series, dogs are required to jump from a 45-foot dock. The extra length provides more room for a running start, but it also requires better timing on the dog's part. Not that it seemed like Daisy June's timing was off. It appeared as if she had been ready for a longer dock all along.

Daisy June made six jumps total in the three rounds of the final day's competition and never once landed less than 20 feet away. Her six jumps averaged more than 22 feet.

"I knew she could do it," Gutman said. "And I knew she had confidence she could do it. That's what makes it work. If you show confidence in your dog, you'll get confidence in return."

Second place was Tom Dropik and his black Labrador Tucker of Minnesota. Tucker jumped 22 feet, 6 inches. The only non-retriever to make it to the finals finished third. Ruger, a German Wirehair, handled by Ruth Braaten jumped 18 feet, 5 inches for that position.

With the long jumps, Gutman and Daisy June are in good shape to qualify for the 2003 ESPN Great Outdoor Games. Qualifiers for the Great Outdoor Games will take about 10 dogs. But those dogs will get invitations based on the average of their five best jumps. The top 10 at the end of the competitions will advance.

"I'd say with five jumps of more than 22 feet, two of those threatening the world record, Daisy June will more than likely be at the Games," said Shad Field, organizer of the event.