2017 Strathalbyn Cup - Review
After five fabulous heats Sunday week the $14,350 Daish Irrigation & Fodder Strathalbyn Cup Final last night looked a tremendous race on paper and the end result did not disappoint with Spring Bloom for Greg Board defeating Barton Bale for Tony Rasmussen in a stirring battle to the finish line where only a nose separated the pair.
In front of a handy crowd and with calm conditions the son of Spring Gun and Lost With Love looked like she was going to be in trouble on the first turn with a host of runners looking to get closer to the fence however she pushed her way through to get to fourth into the back straight and chase out after the leaders. Her main challenger being Barton Bale also had to work hard early to push through and lead and into the back straight it looked like he was going to open up a big margin on his rivals. Off the back straight however Spring Bloom let go with a big run moving up strongly to challenge Barton Bale and as they turned for home the pair knuckled down in the run to the finish line. It was a head bobbing go for much of the final straight with Spring Bloom bobbing when it mattered to claim the Strathalbyn Cup by a nose in a fantastic finish. Barton Bale was brave in defeated and fought back strongly but Spring Bloom proved a little too strong over the final stages. They ran a handy 31.41 for the 536m journey with veteran chaser Dyna Keitaro for Lisa Rasmussen finishing in third place.
Spring Bloom is also owned by Greg Broad with the $10,000 first prize and Strathalbyn Cup victory his biggest win since he moved across the border from NSW. Spring Bloom has now won 15 races from her 42 starts including 17 minor placings and prizemoney of almost $40,000.
The other feature on the night was the Strathalbyn Cup consolation which was taken out by She’s A Looper for trainer Cameron Butcher.