2016 BGC SA Derby - Box Draw
Last night at Angle Park before the first race the heavens opened up with heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning rarely seen in South Australia, thankfully on one of the biggest nights of racing the weather cleared up so the oncourse patrons could see some exciting racing in the SA Derby heats.
The first heat was taken out in brilliant fashion by the flying Weekend Binge for Victorian trainer Kel Greenough who stamped himself as the greyhound to beat in next weeks final. He blistered early running a slick 4.34 first split to lead clearly. He left the back in 16.53 running home nicely to record a slick 29.47 win. Monaro Monelli for WA trainer David Hobby and Victorian Bossin It for James Karamatioc both chased bravely but was no match for the winner. In such a quick race all three greyhounds qualified for next weeks final but the early speed of Weekend Binge holds him in good stead even though he has drawn box 7 next week.
The second heat saw the success of Victorian trainer Anthony Azzopardi continue in fine style when Ultimate Magic proven too strong for his rivals when he lead throughout in a handy 29.93. He showed his class in holding off Paraphernalia for Victorian trainer Jeff Guy who was brave in defeat who ran home strongly to just fail to claim his fellow Victorian. Ultimate Style has fared well in the box draw coming from box 2 next week while Paraphernalia will have to get the job done from box 8 again.
The final heat saw Leo’s Gift for Victorian trainer Rob Britton appreciate the wide draw while there was interference on the first turn resulting in the son of Spring Gun and Ruby Jet pinching a race winning break on his rivals into the back straight. He went onto score in a slick 29.71 ahead of South Aussie Ruff State for Ken Gill who held on well while Sassy Ginger for Kel Greenough ran third giving him two runners in next weeks final. Race favourite Kilty Express found trouble on the first turn putting pay to the Group 1 Maturity winner’s chances of making another feature race final. Leo’s Gift has drawn the middle pin and looks as if he will head right in the early stages so the start will be all important next week.
The $35,000 Group Three Final will be run next Thursday night 15th September. It will be race 8 on the program and is listed to jump at 9.10pm (SA time).
The Final field in Box Draw order is:
1. Ruff State Ken Gill (SA)
2. Ultimate Magic Anthony Azzopardi (Vic)
3. Bossin It James Karamatic (Vic)
4. Leo’s Gift Rob Britton (Vic)
5. Monaro Monelli David Hobby (WA)
6. Sassy Ginger Kel Greenough (Vic)
7. Weekend Binge Kel Greenough (Vic)
8. Paraphernalia Jeff Guy (Vic)
9. Shellington (1st Res) Tina Woman (Vic)
10.Harbormaster (2nd Res) Kirin Corby (SA)