John Gray Final Review
The finalists for this year’s addition of the John Gray all seemed to have one thing in common and that was high speed to the first turn so the start for last nights feature final was more crucial than normal.
In a wide-open affair, the Ken Gill trained Sunset Toxic started the punters elect as the fastest qualify from last weeks heats just ahead of Springvale Maddi for Cherylee Barber and Mr. Ticket for Ben Rawlings however all 8 were given an each way hope. After an unfortunate lure delay it was the Clint Trengove trained It’s Smudgy that proved last weeks slick heat win was no fluke when she sailed along the inside for an impressive victory to claim the John Gray of 2022.
All eyes were on the start to see who had the superior speed and as expected Springvale Maddi from box 6 and Sunset Toxic from box 8 flew the lids as the starter said go however first reserve Aston Marlon for South East trainer David Peckham from box 7 also sprung the lids and charged in between the two punter elects as they accelerated out of the front straight. In a minor surprise Aston Marlon charged to the front crossing down to the rails as they headed to the back straight. Springvale Maddi bumped with Sunset Toxic affecting their changes and giving the other competitors their chance to make ground. Mr. Ticket began to sweep around the outside as they entered the back straight with It’s Smudgy finding a nice spot along the inside of Springvale Maddi who struggled to hold her position. Weblec Blade also looked to make ground along the inside for Ray Barkla.
Off the back straight and Aston Marlon was in full flight and had opened up a nice break on his rivals out by about 3 lengths however Mr. Ticket around the outside and It’s Smudgy hard on the rails were starting to eat into the margin. Weblec Blade was also making good ground along the rails. Turning for home and the petrol meter for Aston Marlon was on empty as It’s Smudgy raced to the front along the inside and Mr. Ticket also staked his claim out wide. They settled down to fight out the race with It’s Smudgy doing a little bit the better on the line to win by 1 length from Mr. Ticket. Alfieri for Bill Wudarczyk, unmentioned in the run came from last at the top of the home straight to flash home along the inside to grab third ahead of Weblec Blade which worked home well while Aston Marlon faded into fifth spot.
It’s Smudgy ran a handy 30.75 for the 530m journey and the daughter of Worm Burner and Batty Allen whilst long regarded as a short course greyhound has shown she is on the fast track to city class after two brilliant 530m wins.
Owned by Grant Daubeny in Victoria and trained by the red hot kennel of Clint Trengove she has now won 22 races from her 43 starts including 9 minor placings and prizemoney just over $38,000.
This race was introduced in recognition of one of the icons of South Australian greyhound racing, John Gray and was the 27th running of this event. John was a great supporter of South Australian greyhound racing, and his family continues a hands-on association with the industry today. This race has been graciously supported over a long period by the Adelaide Greyhound Racing Club.