Aloisi embracing Nationals experience
After pulling off a rare double in claiming the SA National Sprint and Distance finals, trainer Tim Aloisi will fly the South Australian flag on the National final night at The Meadows on Saturday night.
While many expected Aloisi to have success with Zipping Neutron who made it 10 straight wins in South Australia in the state final, Ravers Army produced somewhat of an upset to claim the sprint final.
Joining Brenton Yates on this week’s edition of The Dogcast, Aloisi said it was a thrill to represent South Australia interstate.
“It was a bit of a surprise, but I was very honoured to win both races and represent our state.,” Aloisi said.
“There was a little bit of pressure with Zipping Neutron, so when he won to be honest it was probably a bit more relief.
“After that, obviously it was a quick back up to grab Ravers Army and then to go into that race and to win, it was a bit of a surprise and very shocked to have won that one.”
Zipping Neutron has been a revelation for Aloisi since arriving in South Australia winning 10 straight races which included the Bayroad Queens stayers final, a Mount Gambier track record and the State Distance final.
While it has made a habit of producing a strong finish, Zipping Neutron was able to come out and lead in the state final but that came as little surprise to Aloisi, who thought the chaser could lead the race.
“I thought he could lead the race,” Aloisi said.
“Everyone thinks the dog likes to be out wide, but box draws, it doesn’t bother him, if he draws one or eight. So when he drew where he did, I was actually happy and I did say it, or a few people were like, I think I'll lead the race.”
“Once he led I thought, beautiful like it should be all over but then along the back Gavin’s dog (Springvale Rex) got relatively close, I thought, okay, what's going on and then on the own straight, he took off to win by four again.”
The success from the inside draw could be crucial for Zipping Neutron’s chance in the National final with the SA star having drawn box one in the final and is every chance to find the early lead.
“I really like the box draw. It is obviously a very good race and Zoha Bale is an absolute flying machine and the dog to beat,” Aloisi said.
“But the box draw really suits me. The two is very slow out and the Tasmanian dog Fast Minardi spits out so hopefully we can lead or lob second.”
“Second, I think Neutron seems to race better when there’s a pilot dog out in front and he loves the competition. It's one of them funny ones. You always want to lead a race but I'm not too fussed if I don't.
“I think he could run a cheeky race. You know whether it's good enough to run top three. I hope it is but I'm very happy with the box draw. “
While Zipping Neutron is a strong chance for a placing, Ravers Army will need a touch more luck in the Sprint final having been drawn in box four with favourite Postman Pat alongside it in box three.
While Ravers Army will be one of the strongest finishers in the race, it appears to lack the early speed to contend in the final, but Aloisi was hoping for a touch of luck.
“He is a funny dog, Ravers Army. He’s probably a dog that he does what he does and you’ve kind of just got to not worry about it,” Aloisi said.
“He is a smart dog and he's a fast dog, but very tardy early, so he always needs a little bit of luck.
“I'm happy for him to miss the kick and just go to the rail and hope that's a bit of trouble, that's probably the best and I think that's what's going to happen. Obviously, we need a lot of luck and he's probably against it. But you know, if he can be competitive, that's all I'll be happy with. “
Zipping Neutron will contest the National Distance final in Race 6 while Ravers Army will be in the National Sprint final in Race 8.
For more with Tim Aloisi and to hear the full preview of the finals, listen to this week’s edition of the Dogcast which is available on Apple, YouTube, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.