2019 SEN SA Straight Track Final - Review
History was made on Wednesday at Murray Bridge when the three finalists who will represent the state in the SEN National Straight Track Final at Healesville on Sunday 18th August was decided in the SA Final.
On the back of four excellent heats the week before, the State final was full of class and interest. Exciting chaser Panhandle Slim for Ray Murray was sent out the short-priced favourite however there were many with chances down the straight 350m at the Bridge.
As the start was affected Pandhandle Slim and Hot Chevy for Adam Manton wide on the track began the best while the reserve Acoustic Lee for Tony Rasmussen speared towards the rails from box 5 which gave a lovely run through for Fantastic Axel for Elizabeth Chegia. Mid-way down the straight both Panhandle Slim and Fantastic Axel looked to have the race between them while Winsome Money for Steve Coates and Hot Chevy settled down to fight it out for third place as they charged to the finishing post.
Nearing home, Panhandle Slim was doing just enough to hold off the challenge of Fantastic Axel and went on to win by just under a length in a sizzling 19.18. The battle for third was just as absorbing with Hot Chevy battling back after being headed by Winsome Money to claim third by the barest possible margin. It was a great training performance by Ray Murray to get Panhandle Slim back to the race track after a serious injury a number of months back and win the State final. Panhandle Slim, Fantastic Axel and Hot Chevy will now head across to Healesville in Victoria for the National Straight track final.
The final at Healesville will be the first ever National Straight Track Championship for greyhounds with Victoria, Queensland and South Australia having representation. The Championship will showcase Australia’s best straight track racers with $35,500 in total prizemoney; as well as an inaugural GRV Grand Final bonus of $14,500 to be distributed throughout first, second and third places. The top three placings from the Queensland series and top two from the Victorian series will join our local qualifiers on the 18th of August.
Good luck to all connections!
