Fantastic Tommy speeds along in Gawler Produce semi
Wednesday
On a pleasant Wednesday afternoon at Gawler, the Simon Gesler-trained Manifestor (Bernardo x Midnight Hussler) broke through for her maiden victory at start three, with a tough effort from box one over the 400m trip.
After a couple of eye-catching, but unlucky runs previously, the good box draw was certainly going to help her chances. When she jumped well and found herself in front early, things were looking particularly good. Mid-race, she was challenged and looked in some trouble, but to her credit, she just kept battling away, before eventually winning in 23.44. A great effort and hopefully not the last time that she is winning!
Tim Ieraci has got his dog Cooper Kryan absolutely flying at the moment and Wednesday he produced a big upset, turning over the red-hot favourite in the form of Taylor Toves. From box two, Cooper Kryan looked to have quite the task ahead, but when he came out as well as he ever has to lead, things were looking very good for him. With a fast 8.58 first split, he held a narrow margin as they went down the back straight, with Taylor Toves right behind him. Going around the home turn, it looked as if Cooper Kyran might have been giving in to the pressure, but in the straight he was able to find again, running away late for an excellent 22.64 victory. He’s not always that reliable early, but he’s near uncatchable when he’s out in front!
Sunday
It was an excellent night of racing on Sunday, with good weather and good dogs on show.
Two heats of the Gawler Produce series were the highlight, with the winners being See My Future for Tracey Amos and Fantastic Tommy for Barry Stewart. Early speed proved to be vital for Fantastic Tommy, as he overcame box four to take out his race. A quick 3.16 first split saw him find the early lead easily, as he set up a comfortable margin leaving the first turn. Down the back straight, Fantastic Tommy was in full flight and did things beautifully. He travelled like a winner the entire way around and won by an impressive five lengths in 30.87. With speed like that, he’s going to take some beating in the series final next week, which will be a terrific race!
Three heats of the Mike Wittholz Masters series were run over the 400m sprint trip, with the three winners being Aston Hebe, Mr. Ticket, and Kelly’s Missile. The win on Sunday from Kelly’s Missile, continued the black dog's great form, making it three wins in a row. From box seven, he came out quickly which he normally does, and set up a three-length lead down the back straight. When they got to the home turn, he was starting to tire with the others closing in, but just as he looked all out, he found late and held on for a great 22.83 win. The final should be very competitive next week!
Raye Kelly would have been thrilled with Nitro Britt, who made the most of a drop back in distance, when she won from box five over the 400m trip. After making a clean start, she found herself sitting in second spot early, right on the heels of the leader. Going into the home turn, the strength that she had built racing over the 530m trip started to show, as she went around the leader, before powering away for a great 23.00 victory.