2013 NATIONAL DISTANCE AND SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP SA
The first heat of the Distance saw one of the biggest surprises in recent times where SA’s star performer for the last couple of seasons, Kalden Mayhem was run out of automatic qualifying by finishing fifth in his heat as a very short priced favourite. Troy Murray’s champion couldn’t get into the race after a slow start and now will be hoping for a reprieve as he is listed as the first reserve for next week’s final. Shaun Matcott continued his good form by producing not only Allen Bardolf for the win but also Dyna Aline for third. Allen Bardolf rated 43.90 in chasing down tear away leader Cousin Callum who had set up a handy lead mid race but got a little tired towards the end. Dyna Aline and Uno Lesson both ran home nicely to qualify.
In the second heat of the Distance there more surprises when both favourites Dyna Daina and Miss Woods failed to qualify after appearing to have every chance. In a terrific training performance Shaun Laffin was able to produce Prince Holyfield for victory after the greyhound ran seventh over 319m at Strathalbyn last Sunday. His form prior was very good over the longer journey and he showed his ability with a strong win in a handy 43.90. He chased down Max A Zillion who lead for most of the race but tired into fourth with both Crimson Star and Valarie Allen running home hard into the minors.
The box draw was conducted on course last night and it looks one of the most open Distance finals seen in recent years. The final will be run next Thursday night with the winner going on to represent South Australia at the Meadows on Saturday 24th August in the National final. It will be race 6 on next week’s program and is listed to jump at 8.28pm (SA time).
National Distance Championship SA Series final field in Box Draw order is:
1. Uno Lesson Shaun Laffin
2. Prince Holyfield Shaun Laffin
3. Cousin Callum Petar Jovanovic
4. Max A Zillion Petar Jovanovic
5. Dyna Aline Shaun Matcott
6. Crimson Star Robert Harris
7. Allen Bardolf Shaun Matcott
8. Valarie Allen Shaun Matcott
9. Kalden Mayhem (1st Res) Troy Murray
10.Dyna Daina (2nd Res) Shaun Matcott
The three heats of the Sprint last night produced some brilliant performances with Young Snozz right back to his very best in the first heat for trainer Petar Jovanovic. He had been struggling a little for form recently however after jumping well from box 3 and sitting third early his powerful finish was always going to be hard for others to hold out. He took the lead down the back and from there was never headed rating a handy 30.03 for the 515m journey. Young Snozz defeated Kalden Mischief who did a good job to hang onto second with Niamh Premier flashing home for third.
In the second heat one of the most improved chasers in the State showed he will be a force in next week’s final by running the quickest time for the night in winning effortlessly. Ali The Great for up and coming young trainer Ben Rawlings made it four wins on end with a scintillating performance, leading thoughout from box 8, stopping the clock in 29.92. He defeated Kalden Kurageous and Contrarian with race favourite Encosta Kahn having no luck in finishing fifth.
The final heat saw Hope’s Up for Cameron Butcher also make it four wins on end when she weaved a passage through the field to claim victory in a handy 30.23. The reigning SA Greyhound of the Year looks the greyhound to beat next week after she began slowly from box 7 and found some trouble but showed great track sense and desire to win when she got up on the inside of leader Avid Tyson in the home straight. Avid Tyson held on well for second and with her great speed looks the leader next week however drawing box 7 has made all on her inside a little nervous.
The box draw was conducted on course last night and it looks very hard to pick a winner with all qualifiers given an eachway chance. The winner of next weeks final will also represent South Australia at the Meadows on Saturday 24th August in the National Sprint final. It will be race 8 on next week’s program and is listed to jump at 9.11pm (SA time).
National Sprint Championship SA Series final field in Box Draw order is:
1. Niamh Premier Rob Harnas
2. Young Snozz Petar Jovanovic
3. Ali The Great Ben Rawlings
4. Kalden Mischief Troy Murray
5. Kalden Kurageous Troy Murray
6. Hope’s Up Cameron Butcher
7. Avid Tyson Tony Lagana
8. Contrarian Karen Bearpark
9. Kalden Komoto (1st Res) Troy Murray
10.Wonder Whirl (2nd Res) Michael Giniotis