A Cold Murray Bridge Night
It was officially the last winter meeting at Murray Bridge for 2020 last night, so we can all expect much nicer conditions moving - guaranteed!! (Note: Guarantee cannot be honoured because I’m not a weather God!)
Last night was again a night of threes even though there wasn’t a number 3 rug in any single race. The “threes” were three winners to two trainers and three winners to two owners. Let’s see how it all unfolded…… (cue the Twilight Zone spooky music)....
Tony Rasmussen and owner Nick Lalli started the night off with Cash Or Cheque winning the Metro Roller Doors Maiden. It was this dogs first race start and it showed it had a bit of talent. It went 5:06 for the first split, which is pretty good and even better considering there had been some rain up the Bridge and the track was a bit slower than it had been for recent meets.
Tony rugged up Cawbourne Jumpy in the second maiden of the night and from box 6 he was never in any position other than first. It was Tony’s second for the night, but a different owner. Unfortunately for best bet followers Side Road was having an off night and finished a way back.
Race 3 saw Tony crack an early treble with Hali’s Girl for Nick Lalli claiming a solid win. The Richmond colours of box 5 are almost certainly what helped this dog get over the line. This was Nick’s second win of the night.
The fourth saw Longshot Kel poked his head up and in true Shannon Noll fashion said “What about me?” And what about me indeed.... Bad Lieutenant jumped straight to the front from the cheery box and never looked like losing. The half-sister to Sennachie and his litter, Rock It Fabio, was trying for back to back wins bad the Lieutenant was having none of it!! Kel was all smiles after the race and was so chuffed he posed for a photo after the race!
Rob Harnas, inspired by Kel, also wanted part of the action and with Mercedes Monelli he got some. It was only this dogs second SA start and after a second last week he stepped up in distance and went one better.
Boss Maclaren was victorious in race 6 and also went best of the night in the process over the 455m going a solid 25:60. He flies under the radar a bit this dog – he’s probably what you’d describe as a tradesman.... just goes about his business with minimum fuss and gets the job done. After last night’s win his record now stands at 39 starts – 11 wins and 15 minor placings! That’s solid!
Race 7 say the third and fourth of our “threes” pop up with Allinga Ollie getting the job done for the King/Davey combo....as they have done many times ant their “local”.
Race 8 was more of the same with Allinga Mal getting the nod, but to make the race a touch sweeter Allinga Chloe ran second giving the duo and winning quinella.
Then, to prove, the previous two races were no fluke, Allinga Tianna popped up in race 9 and said “I’ll take a piece of that action!” And take it she did, running out a solid winner in a solid time of 22:47 and gave the team a treble for the night. It was her first win in 14 starts so patience is always the key!!
Just before race 9 jumped there was an announcement over the PA that changed everything – “Hi All, we’ve neglected to advise that we have a meat tray to raffle off tonight so if you want a ticket come see us on table 4!”
Well, I’ve never moved so fast! With the previous races done, I did some quick maths in my head and thought my odds were good! I’ve laid down my coin and said I’m in!!
I’m pretty sure Raw Fewings got up in the 10th race with Craggy Island but my mind was on that glorious meat tray!
Race 11 was the last and Lisa, not to be outdone by Tony had Cawbourne Get Up ready to go - but before the race the PA crackled into life again. “Howdy folks, we sold all the tickets to the meat tray and we’re about to draw a winner!!” I can’t tell you what number the winning ticket was but I can tell you who bought it....... bazinga!! I was taking home the meat tray and the euphoria could be felt as far away as the Caltex (which isn’t that far to be honest!)
But back to the races and Cawbourne Get Up did salute in the last and gave Nick Lalli his third winner for the night and brought to a close a pretty tops meeting!
The drive home didn’t feel as long as it usually did with the smell of success aka the meat tray tantalising the senses all the way home.
Anyway, that was Murray Bridge for the 30th of August 2020, that was my story and I’m off to fire up the BBQ!
Pictured:
1: Kelvin Douglas with Bad Lieutenant after his Race 4 victory
2: Tracey Davey celebrating
3: Tianna with Allinga Tianna who was named after her
4: Tara Rasmussan, Lisa Rasmussan and Lachlan Mill with their 3 winners