Boombox Hammer Shows Promise in Howard Ashton Heat
The Gawler Greyhound Racing Club held four strong heats of the Group 3 Howard Ashton on Sunday night featuring some of the best up and coming greyhounds in the State including recent SA Anniversary Cup winner Jack’s Well. However, it was the relatively unknown Boombox Hammer for trainer Petar Jovanovic who impressed, setting the fastest heat time of 30.69 over the 531m journey.
The sizzling win was the second in his five start career and came after he chalked up his Maiden the week previous, with both wins showcasing his potential. Boombox Hammer will now line up in this Sunday night’s semi-finals where the opportunity to race his way into a Group 3 final awaits him.
“Ability wise I know that he can run some really fast times – it is just racing experience that he now has to develop.” Trainer and owner Peter Jovanovic explains.
Known in the kennels as Hammer, he was named after Port Adelaide vice-captain Hamish Hartlett, who is also nicknamed ‘Hammer’ for his hard and powerful playing style.
“Hammer is a powerful and versatile dog, just like Hamish Hartlett. In each trial and race, he has improved his box manners, which if can maintain, he will become a great race dog.” Jovanovic continues. “He has all the characteristics to become one of the leading chasers in the state. I would compare his ability to Cairnlea Kenny at this stage which is really promising.”
Boombox Hammer will have to be at his best again to progress through to the final, where he could face up against Victa Reid and the aforementioned, Jack’s Well. The $25,000 to the winner Group 3 final is for SA Bred greyhounds whelped between January and June of 2019.
“It is a great experience for Hammer to race against the likes of Jack’s Well, Victa Reid and Victa Grosso and he will only benefit from the run, no matter who he draws in his semi,” said Jovanovic about the potential semi-final fields.
The semi-finals of the Howard Ashton are this Sunday evening, 6th of June at the Gawler Greyhound Racing Club, with the final on the Sunday 13th of June which falls over the long weekend which is sure to attract a large crowd.
Photo credit: Kurt Donsberg Photography