2023 SA LAUNCHING PAD FINAL – REVIEW
After three terrific heats were conducted last Thursday night, last nights final of the SA Launching Pad series at Angle Park was a fitting finale with one of the most open finals we have seen in recent years however it was Live It for trainer Tony Rasmussen booking his spot in the 2023 Launching Pad series for SA at Sandown in two weeks’ time with a last gasp win.
Most of the greyhounds came out as one when the start was effected however Ragin’ Riot from the outside box for Robyn Mackellar quickly mustered momentum to race to the lead prior to the winning post on the first occasion. She was followed by Agent Nine Nine for Ben Rawlings, Live it for Tony Rasmussen and Victa Kerle also for Tony as they made a line of three just in behind the speed. Race favourite Could Be King for Ben Rawlings found himself back last from the middle box with plenty to do as they left the front straight. Into the back straight and Ragin’ Riot cleared out in the lead followed by Live It who moved into second around the outside, both Victa Kerle and Agent Nine Nine were battling out for third while Zipping Hyland for Nicole Price started to make good ground from back in the field. Down the back straight and it was Ragin’ Riot still in the lead followed by Live It, Victa Kerle had moved to a clear third from Agent Nine Nine while Zipping Hyland continued to make ground. Could Be King was still back last as he looked to move to the outside with his race all but done. Off the back straight the front division began to close up with Ragin’ Riot just in front turning for home with Live It on her outside challenging strongly, Victa Kerle was pushing in between both leaders as Agent Nine Nine was looking for room on the inside and running up behind them was Zipping Hyland pulling to the outside. With only 2 lengths between the top five the drive to the line was going to be crucial. As they got to the finish line it was Live It who poked his nose in front to claim the prize with a blanket covering the minors. Zipping Hyland snared second down the outside only a head away with a neck back to Victa Kerle, Agent Nine Nine and Ragin’ Riot who all dead heated for third in an exhilarating finish.
Live It ran a handy time of 30.74 for the 530m journey and is locally bred by Lisa Rasmussen and locally owned by Lisa and Brett Gaspari. He now has a handy record of 15 starts with 5 wins and 5 placings with career prizemoney around $13,000.
Live It will now compete in the rich Launching Pad heats run at Sandown which will be run over the 515m Thursday, 23rd March with the Semi-Finals on Thursday, 30th March and the $150,000 to the winner Final run on Thursday, 6th April and we wish him and connections the very best of luck on the National stage.
