Great training efforts produce surprise results
Another fine day at the Bridge, as we had 11 races under the setting sun last Friday afternoon. Race 1 was a maiden over 395m, with Big Papa Couts the best backed from box 8. The lids opened and Big Papa Couts went whoosh, with a burning turn of foot, putting a gap on the field within a matter of strides. The electric start was more than enough, with the black dog scoring by 8 lengths in 22.69. Race 2 was one of the stronger juvenile races we have seen at the Bridge for a while, with Flying Scimitar, Two Jabs and Basman having a firm hold of the market. Mallee Dreamer left well but Two Jabs used the red box to hustle up and find the front. From there it was race over as Two Jabs scored in an impressive 22.51. The third of the night was the first heat of the Pet Waggin grade 6 series over 455m. Locked started favourite from box 1, but it was Highly Praised that found the front and a 2 length lead as they approached the turn. Locked was right on his hammer turning for home but Highly Praised kicked, winning by a nose in a nice 25.89. The fourth of the day saw the first shorty of the meeting in Cosmic Kid, who looked a boxed certainty. It wasn’t easy for the favourite as Son Of Haka provided plenty of pressure, but Cosmic Kid kept railing before breaking free and landing a handy 25.83 victory.
Race 5 and the last of the three grade six heats, Spring Flora started a raging hot favourite from box 4. Favourite backers were shortly with their head in hands as the super strong Stress The Point pinged out to lead easily. Spring Flora never got into the hunt and Stress The Point led all the way 25.93. Race 6 was pretty strong over the 455m, Charlie Brother making it 3 hot pots in as many races, as he was backed into $1.50. Unfortunately he didn’t muster well and was crossed from box 1 which ended his chances. Classic Mclaren was able to find the front and was always going to be hard to run down from there, he went all the way in a BOD 8.14-25.73. Race 7 was a grade 6 over the 395m and this was a tough race on paper to sort out. It was the rough outsider of the race, Didelis, that was able to fly out and lead all the way in a very sound 22.44. A terrific training effort from Tony Nobes as the dog was first up for a few months. Tony and the team have had a very nice year. Race 8 and another even grade 6 for the 395m, with a full field making this a dart board job. Adios Mclaren, another that was first up for 3 months for Tania Foster, was able to lead from box 2 and never looked troubled after that, as he went all the way in 5.03-22.41. Another great training effort from Tania and this made it a double for her. She doesn’t race her dogs very often but always presents them well.
Photo: Classic Mclaren returns to the winners list with a BOD display
Credit: Kurt Donsberg Photography
Race 9 and this carried plenty of interest with Gemtree Maximus stepping out over the 395m. He did as expected and led, before putting a gap on the field. Everyone watching definitely got a big fright, as approaching the line, Gemtree came to an abrupt stop when the lure pulled away, thankfully he was alright and was still able to win the race! Race 10 and this was an intriguing race with Agent Hamish and Express Eve taking on SA newcomer, Bidgee Boy. It was the newcomer that showed a ripping turn of foot early, finding an easy lead and burning off Agent Hamish. Bidgee Boy went all the way with ease, clocking 5.06-22.31. Lauren Harris and the team definitely know how to produce them first up. The last of the evening was another tricky grade 6 over the short trip, with Beatific starting favourite after a solid effort last week. Allinga Grin led from box 8, but Wreck It Master was able to use some nous and rail under before proving too strong for Allinga Grin in the run home. The Matty Payne trained winner closing off the night in 22.31.
Dog to follow: Lektra Violet - She hasn’t been in the Lauren Harris kennel for long, but can definitely see her improving each run. Was in a heat of the grade 6 series on Friday and did have a bit of market support, as she did the week before. Jumped well before getting stuck wide the entire trip, she looked like she really wanted to be on the fence but was able to show enough smarts to not fall into the dog inside of her. Showed a bit of strength late and only went down by 4 lengths to the very smart Stress The Point. Was a nice run and if she can draw box 1 or 2 in the final, then she would have a really good chance in an even race.