2021 SA Distance Championship Review
It was a fantastic win for Bedrock Fred and trainer Cherylee Barber last night as they claimed the 2021 SA Distance Championship which was held over the 680m trip at Murray Bridge this year with Angle Park currently closed for redevelopment.
After three terrific heats last week, the final field assembled was full of quality with fastest heat winner Fantastic Radley starting the short-priced favourite after the scratching of the highly-fancied Victorian Burn Time.
As the lids went up, it was April's Greyhound of the Month winner Gary's Miracle and Bedrock Fred who set the early pace with Bedrock Fred able to use his inside draw to find the rail and push ahead. As the field sorted themselves out behind the leader, Fantastic Radley pushed up to third behind Gary's Miracle with Just Win Boss and Shadow Burner in hot pursuit along the back straight. Off the last bend and coming into the home straight, Fantastic Radley loomed large behind Bedrock Fred and looked like he may run over the top of the leader as their break on the rest of the field extended out further. However, Bedrock Fred dug deep and kicked again to push to the line, scoring a memorable win in a great time of 38.79 seconds. Fantastic Radley ran on for second place for trainer Ossie Chegia while, Shadow Burner and Tapestry Tears were locked in a tight tussle for third place with the former able to hold on by half a length for Tony Rasmussen.
The win was number 7 for the son of Spring Gun and Dashing Dee Dee who looks to have a great future ahead of him as he looks very comfortable over both the middle and longer distance. Locally bred by Gavin Harris, Bedrock Fred is already a consistent performer for his owners and trainer, only missing a place in 3 of his 22 career starts with his prizemoney earnt now standing at $28,185.