2017 John Gray Review
2017 JOHN GRAY – REVIEW
With three heats being run of the five and two greyhounds balloted into the final after the meeting on the 19th January was severely affected by inclement weather, all eyes were on an outstanding 2017 John Gray Final last Thursday night at Angle Park and the large crowd were not disappointed.
A high quality field was assembled for the 22nd running of the Grade 5 feature with most given some hope, with a bit of luck of taking out the $6,000 first prize however the market was dominated by Snakebite Bale for trainer Ben Rawlings who was undefeated in 5 runs in SA since coming across from Victoria.
As the start was affected, iron dog Gun McBain for Todd Kelly sped to the early lead from his inside draw. He was strongly challenged by Thumb A Ride for Troy Murray and Pawesome Boss for Petar Jovanovic in the early stages. Snakebite Bale didn’t have any luck early after missing the kick and finding himself back in the pack and looking for racing room.
As they raced down the back Gun McBain was challenged very strongly by Pawesome Boss who looked to be going slightly better off the back straight while Thumb A Ride held third with nothing really making ground from the tail.
As heads turned for home Gun McBain showed his fighting qualities to withstand the challenge from Pawesome Boss and go on and record a fabulous victory. He won by ¾ length in a solid 30.12 for the 515m journey. Pawesome Boss ran a bold race at bolters odds for second while Thumb A Ride who has not even turned two yet, ran a nice race into third only 1 length away and looks to have a bright future. Speaking of luck, race favourite Snakebite Bale had none and his performance should be forgiven as when he found clear ground he rattled home into 4th with a blistering 12.65 run home however by then the race was well and truly over.
Gun McBain is the Angle Park record holder having now won an amazing 45 races at the track and it doesn’t look like he is slowing down and time soon. He is by Spring Gun and Flame McBain and owned by the Kelly Gang Syndicate managed by Raye Kelly. Gun McBain is SA Bred , being bred by his trainer Todd Kelly and has now won a total of 57 races from his 141 starts including 46 minor placings and prizemoney just below $150,000.