2020 Group 3 Brian Johnstone Final review
After the series was delayed one week, the prestigious Group 3 Brian Johnstone final was conducted last night at Angle Park and it was terrific to have patrons back on course to witness one of the most exciting chasers in the State stamp himself as a real star of the future. Fly For Trix for trainer Jane McNicholl was undefeated through the series and showed his class taking out the feature final in dominant style and claiming the $25,000 first prize.
Having drawn perfectly in box 1, the son of Fernando Bale and Weblec Rose was sent out a raging hot favourite however there were plenty of inform greyhounds to test the rising star. As the start was affected Fly For Trix began well from the inside however both Sallynoggin for Ray Fewings (box 4) and Our Boy Wolf for Brenton Prouse (box 7) showed better speed and looked to head him off going to the first turn. Out of the straight and Fly For Trix kept out Sallynoggin but Our Boy Wolf accelerated to quickly to run to the top. The Nathan Wilson duo of Oakvale Blue and Love And Thunder were starting to work their way into the race as they got to 4th and 5th respectively while Chief Sebon for Tony Nobes made good ground along the rails. Into the back straight Our Boy Wolf had a nice lead however Fly For Trix had made his way to the outside and began to close quickly with Oakvale Blue moving stylishly into third. Off the back straight and Our Boy Wolf was giving a bold sight in the lead but the white and brindle star moved up on level terms to challenge strongly as Oakvale Blue, Chief Sebon and Love And Thunder tried hard to make ground. As heads turned for home Fly For Trix kicked into another gear and raced away from his rivals going down to the line a strong 1.50 length winner over Oakvale Blue who charged into second. Our Boy Wolf held on well for third while Chief Sebon was a nice run for fourth. Fly For Trix carved out brilliant time running the 515m journey in a slick 29.75 with splits of 4.47 and 16.93.
Fly For Trix is also owned and bred by Jane McNicholl and has now won 15 races from 21 starts (his last 7 in a row) and 3 minor placings and prizemoney just under $50,000. Jane McNicholl advised his next target will likely be the AGRC/Murray Bridge Country Summer Derby Heats which start next Friday at the Bridge and then a possible interstate tilt at the Group 1 Silver Chief at the Meadows later this month.
This event was introduced in recognition of former Adelaide Greyhound Racing Club Chairman, Brian Johnstone who passed away 12 years ago. Brian was a true ambassador and great administrator for SA greyhound racing. He was involved with Angle Park from the early 1970’s and served many years on the Adelaide Greyhound Racing Club Committee.