Bec Romyn hopeful of straight track Championship
Bec Romyn is no doubt the leading SA trainer when it comes to straight track racing at Murray Bridge. Her recent form has seen her land 11 winners from her last 23 starters up the straight.
This Wednesday sees her take four starters to compete in the SA straight track championship. Her thoughts on their chances are below.
Click here for Wednesday’s terrific fields.
Shavano (Race 3, Box 8 - 12:52pm)
A very fast dog that's won 6 out of his 12 career starts. He turned two in April and has done most of his racing up the straight but has shown his ability on the one turn as well. Couldn’t possibly knock his recent form, having scorched around in 16.31 over the 300m last run.
“Because the heats were coming, we didn't want to overdo him so that's why he had a month off. It's gonna be a good race, he should be alright in the 8. It was just a shame he stayed out wide last time he came up against Aston Olenna. He's not a mad railer or anything so box 8 does suit him, it's just really hard out wide up the straight at Murray Bridge. Once he gets going, he's good. The 7 should rail. I think it's between him and Aston Olenna. We are thinking about taking him to Healesville for ‘The Arrow’ and potentially for a look at Horsham.”
Ransom’s Pride (Race 4, Box 8 - 1:12pm)
A litter brother to Shavano with a stack of ability as well. Has won 8 from 17. Last run he went super up the straight, beating the quality Aston Thunder in 16.55. Before that he had a crack at the Gawler Produce series.
“He had a go at the Produce because he’s fitter than Shavano. He probably would have liked the inside, but like Shavano, once he gets going, he’s good so box 8 might be ok. He will be happy out there at least.”
Brace And Bits (Race 5, Box 4 - 1:27pm)
An outstanding chaser with endless ability but has unfortunately been riddled with injuries. Has won 20 races from 38 starts and is arguably the best dog we have seen go up the Murray Bridge Straight.
“He just had a bone chip taken out, prior to that he broke his toe. He’s alright now but probably needs another run. I wish he had the 8! He went to Capalaba a while ago for a crack at their straight track championship, but he didn’t do much, although you need a few looks there. He had a box to box at Gawler last week and went really well, he needed it though!”
Meet Joe Black (Race 6, Box 8 - 1:47pm)
He is a bit different to her other three runners, having done a lot of his racing on the turns and over longer journeys 450-530m. He has been racing really well on the city circuit. Last start up the straight was in early June when he won in 16.62 over the 300m, defeating Dynamic Lee by 2.5 lengths.
“He has got a chance; I would prefer him to be on the inside. That heat looks quite good. He has been there and run good time. The 350 does suit him better than the 300. He’s not a railer so box 8 is ok, as long he works over to the middle of the track and is a few lengths off the rail.”
A word on her other two runners on the card
Bangor Lizzy (Race 7, Box 8 - 2:02pm)
An honest girl who has been kept mainly up the straight since coming back to SA. Has won 5 of her 8 career wins up the Murray Bridge Straight with a personal best of 16.68 over the 300m.
“She has funny wrists; she just pulls up sore, so we try to keep her lightly raced. Box 8 won’t suit her at all! She will need to jump and lead to win. She’s been really good for us. We didn’t think she’s quick enough for the straight track championship, they would have had too much speed for her.”
Two Jabs (Race 11, Box 5 - 3:17pm)
A son of Superior Panama who was electric on debut over the 300m. Was heavily backed and won accordingly, clocking a sizzling 16.61, which was only a length off Brace And Bits winning time on the same day.
“The 350m is going to suit him better and he does want the rail, at least that’s what we have seen in all his trialing. Luckily, he got box 1 for his first start! We will be trialing him on the one turn next week, he hasn’t been on a circle yet. He was supposed to go last week but they had to cancel due to COVID.”
Bec rates Shavano as her best hope but believes they all have good chances (with a bit of luck)!
Photo: Bec Romyn with her kennel star, Brace and Bits
Credit: Kurt Donsberg Photography