4 Winners and a Straight Track Cup for Peckham
It was a thrilling day for the 2021 Straight Track Cup at Murray Bridge Greyhound Racing Club yesterday. In what was only the second ever running of the event it was Aston Olenna (B3) who came out victorious for trainer Dave Peckham with a stellar run of 18.87s ahead of Shavano (B8) and Miss Cola (B5) for Bec Romyn.
In his 8th career start, the fawn dog began fairly against a talented field which included the defending champ Lavish Pedro (B6), trained by Richard Stasiak, who broke the track record last year to win. From mid-race Aston Olenna really put the afterburners to accelerate past the field to get up over Shavano.
“I’m really happy with the outcome. He had trialled well and has always showed great ability. I thought he had a good chance,” Dave stated.
While no one can dispute winning the Cup is an amazing feat, for Dave it was an extra successful trip to the Bridge. A local from our States south-east, the 4 hour drive was worthwhile as he was able to snag 3 other winning runs. “That was a surprise, I thought if we could get a couple it would be good, probably thought best chances were Zinfadel Tori and Sweet on Me, but I was hopeful in the Cup and winning the last was a good surprise,” he stated.
Race 3 gave Peckham his first victory with Zinfadel Tori (B2) who won convincingly over Redevelop (B4) trained by Neil Mann. Favourite, Sweet On Me backed it up for Peckham in Race 4, where she never showed signs of losing. After Aston Olenna’s win in the cup, Peckham was able to close out the day in the last with a great win from Midnight Daisy, a roughie, who was just able to get up over Cold Esky (B7) trained by Ed Kowalewski.
With a strike rate of 4 out of 5, including the prestigious 2021 Straight Track Cup it was definitely a great day at Murray Bridge for Dave with celebrations well deserved for all connections involved. Dave would like to mention and thank those who help on the day from his co-driver to those back home at Mt Gambier taking care of the dogs. Along with congratulations and support from Aston Greyhounds, Ray Borda and all connections.
As he heads back to the Bridge tonight he is hopeful that Aston Model in Race 1 will have some luck after clocking 29.64 at his last start at Mt Gambier.
Photo Credit: Kurt Donsberg Photography