National Championships - State Finals
2017 UBET NATIONAL DISTANCE AND SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP
SA SERIES – REVIEW
BOGIE BEKIM OFF TO QUEENSLAND FOR THE NATIONALS
SA’s star stayer Bogie Bekim had a job on his hand’s to qualify for the UBET Group 1 Nationals in Queensland in two weeks time however his class prevailed in an exhilarating contest. Bogie Bekim for trainer Ben Rawlings was second up from a break and was meeting hardened opposition in the State Final of the National Distance series last night at Angle Park. He began well to land in the leading few with Hukanui for Tony Rasmussen leading and main challenger to Bogie Bekim, Purpose Driven for Cameron Butcher just off his shoulder. As they rounded the home turn on the final occasion it made for a great sight with a line of three all challenging for the win. Hukanui was just passed by Bogie Bekim in the straight while Purpose Driven made a late dive to claim victory however just failed by a head. It was a stirring race with Bogie Bekim running a solid 43.38 for the 731m journey however both Purpose Driven and Hukanui were brave in defeat.
Bogie Bekim is owned in Queensland so it will be great for connections to see their charge in person however he will be representing SA and with last night’s run under his belt he should be cherry ripe to take on the Nation’s best.
Bogie Bekim has now won 19 races with 15 placing’s from 52 starts and almost $188,000 in prizemoney. He will represent SA at the National Championships to be held at Albion Park in QLD on Friday 25th August and we wish him and his connections the best of luck.
ON FIRE GIVES CAMERON BUTCHER A CHANCE AT BACK TO BACK NATIONALS
Exciting superstar On Fire produced another outstanding performance top claim victory in the State Finals of the UBET National Sprint series last night at headquarters. The Cameron Butcher trained flyer made it 15 wins from his last 16 starts and stamped himself as a real contender to take out the crown in Queensland in a few weeks time. Cameron knows how to win a National title after he created history when Worm Burner produced one of the wins of the year to take the National title 12 months ago on home soil.
On Fire began well from box 1 however sustained a lot of pressure to the first turn from wide on the track while he also wanted to shift one off. He pushed through strongly as they entered the back straight and set out after leader Cairnlea Kenney for Petar Jovanovic. Down the back straight it developed into a race in two with On Fire racing up to Cairnlea Kenny on the apex of the bend off the back straight while Shimatron for Tony Rasmussen began to make steady ground. Turning for home On Fire put his paw to the floor and accelerated past Cairnlea Kenny for a superb win. Shimatron ran right up behind to grab third with a win just around the corner for him. On Fire ran a sizzling 29.73 for the 515m journey however his run home time of 12.58 was blistering and now has to be considered one of the favorites for the National title.
On Fire has now won 29 races from 46 starts, with 12 minor placings and about $115,000 in prizemoney. Both Cameron and On Fire will now be chasing Group 1 glory in QLD later this month and we wish them a repeat of 12 months ago when SA ‘s Worm Burner beat the best.