455m First Split Record Broken
Race 1 and our weekly maiden. We saw a very strongly backed runner in Harboring, who attracted significant support last week as well. The fawn bitch was $2.20 into $1.40 and it was easy to see why as she jumped out of the boxes to lead with ease. At no stage was the race in any doubt as she trotted in for a comfortable 25.74 victory. Her trainer, Kirin Corby, is having a nice run with these young pups at the moment. Race 2 was the hot final for our grade 6 series, with Occipital Eyes just starting favourite. The race changed complexion at boxrise with Allinga Ollie flying out and finding the front. With a bit of jamming behind, he was able to put a gap on the field. Harbor Blues found clear air and got mobile late but it was to no avail as Allinga Ollie scored an impressive 25.39 victory.
Race 3 was the first of our Bayroad Queen Stayers Cup heats and it was a very even field. It became a clear two dog race coming out of the first turn as Barbados Express and Bedrock Fred cleared the field. Barbados led down the back with Bedrock Fred just behind her. Bedrock Fred started to approach Barbados Express as they came into the turn and was able to get past her in the home straight, showing his class and scoring a very nice victory. Race 4 and the second heat of the stayers Cup, we saw the wonder dog in Sir Truculent return to SA as a strong favourite. Shanlyn Charlott was able to lead the field off box 7 and the track record holder in Oakvale Impact landed himself behind her. The hot favourite was well back in the field. As they approached the home turn, Oakvale Impact started to pick up the leader and was able to get past Shanlyn Charlott, collecting a nice victory.
Race 5 was a grade 6 over the 455m, with a very well backed runner in Dark Tides off the red box. Allinga Grin flew out and led in 8.01, with Time Striker behind her. Allinga Grin ran off on the home turn which opened for the door for the heavily backed favourite Dark Tides, who made a terrific mid race move. Dark Tides made hard work of it in the home straight but was able to collect and punters rejoiced. Race 6 was another grade 6 over the 455m, with Terrific Keith starting a hot favourite off his rocketing sub 22 victory last start over 395m. Things didn’t quite go to plan for the favourite as he missed the start and was soon back in traffic. Shahaka was able to lead the field clearly and was looking pretty good, until halfway down the straight when the Troy Murray trained Reservation was able to take over and win impressively in his first run in SA. Race 7 was a grade 6 over the 455m and this was a totally dominant affair. Allinga Road who started second favourite absolutely flew out of the boxes and led the field in a flying 7.81 early split, breaking the first split record. From there the result was never in doubt as he posted a quick 25.32 run. Gary’s Miracle started favourite in a high quality 530m race for the 8th. The black bitch was able to show her consistent early speed and cross over from box 6 and from there she never looked like getting beat, even with the quality Shadow Mist behind her. She landed a quick 29.69 run and continued her amazing run here in SA.
Race 9 saw just the four dogs do battle over the 530m. The race on paper looked perfect for the well supported favourite Meet Joe Black and it played out accordingly. He led the field easily and put a gap on them down the back with Departure Gate in pursuit. It was a painless watch for favourite backers even with Departure Gate making good ground late as Meet Joe Black posted a quick 29.74 win. Race 10 was the extremely competitive grade 5 final over 455m with Danyo’s Wylie starting a dominant favourite. Danyo’s Wylie led the field as expected in a quick 7.94, with Like A Librarian behind him. Wylie started to get a little tired in the home straight and Like A Librarian was able to put in a dive late, but missed, with Wylie continuing his superb run of form. Race 11 changed complexion with the scratching of the strong favourite Major Major. Victa Caleb led the field as expected, breaking 8 seconds to the first split. The very honest chaser was able to lead for about 445m before Sierra Moon made its move late and got past the leader, claiming a nice win in 25.61. An interesting grade 5 over 455m was our last for the night and Blister started a warm favourite off his impressive win over the 395m. Booralite was able to lead out of box 2 and put a couple of lengths on the strong Yanderra Evie as they approached the back turn. Coming into the straight it was a really good battle between those two but Booralite was too speedy in the end and won in a nice 25.48.
Dog to follow: Bangor Lizzy - She is going really nice since making her return to SA. Had no luck on Thursday after racing on the speed but getting put out of commission as she approached the turn, yet was able to pick herself up and come again on the line. A couple of runs at Gawler over two turns have been average but her runs up the straight and on the one turn have been really nice. She has got the red up the straight this week and should be winning but won’t be any flash price. I really want to see her back on the one turn where I think you can get a price. I suspect she will be over the 530m shortly as well and I think she will go particularly well over that.
Monday night Best Bet - (Boundin’ Baby, Race 10 Box #1)
In what looks a clear match race and I suspect it will be in the market, I think the experience at the track will show and Boundin’ Baby will be too good. The market will hopefully firm for Isla Gracie given her terrific form but I think first up on the 1 turn might pull her up. Anything around the $3+ will be a good price for Boundin’ Baby.
Pic: Meet Joe Black giving his handler a hug after landing a nice win (Credit Kurt Donsberg Photography)