Peckham with three chances in Straight Track Cup
This Tuesday afternoon at Murray Bridge sees the running of the Weblec Ace and Mepunga Blazer at stud Straight Track Cup, with a top shelf field assembled, to chase the $10,000 first prize. Four heats were run last week and we saw some very impressive efforts from numerous Greyhounds. Dave Peckham will have a trio of runners in the final, with Denzell Bale, Aston Marlon and Aston Olenna all qualifying for the race. Aston Olenna won this race last year and whilst it's been a race to get him back for it, he will be ready to defend his title. It was in the Straight Track State final that Aston Olenna took a tumble, and with that a couple of injuries which Dave has had to work hard to get through.
“He damaged a hip and the hip support muscle, and it’s taken a while for it to get right and for us to get his confidence back. That was his first 350m hit out since.”
Aston Olenna's heat win was the fastest and he was probably the most impressive winner all up, having to do it from behind after he came out of the boxes slowly. Dave says he has lost the acceleration since that fall, but was very impressed with the effort last Tuesday.
“He’s lost some early acceleration since that fall in the State final. Hopefully he can get away a bit better, he will stay out wide where he likes it, and hopefully run quick enough.”
“I nominated him the week prior over 350m but they couldn’t make a field for him, so he was a bit underdone for where I would have liked him for the cup, so he's probably excelled to break 19. I didn’t think he quite had it in him yet. He only had a couple 300s here at the Mount (before his first up run), that’s where I noticed his early pace out of the boxes was found wanting. At the moment I think he’s about five lengths off where he was last year.”
The other two chances that Dave will take to the track, both ran really well in the heats, running home well in their respective races.
“Denzell Bale had the eight and was wanting to get down to the fence, so he’s got a better draw in the final, albeit I think he’s the slowest qualifier in the race but he’s well drawn and if he can get out quick enough then he can get on the rail.”
“(Aston Marlon) He’s got some ability that fella, it doesn’t really matter where he draws, he seems to handle any draw. Hopefully he can run some cover for Olenna in the eight.
The week's preparation has been no different for all three of Dave’s finalists.
“The three finalists will go through the same routine, a bit of work in the sprint runs then a freshen up the day before the race.”
Dave rates Aston Olenna as his best chance, but also gives Denzell Bale a good hope.
“(Aston) Olenna is the best chance, but maybe Denzell Bale at some odds, if there is some interference. I think he is drawn well enough on the rail that if their is some trouble in the middle then he will be plugging away late.”
The final will be run at 1:49pm local time on Tuesday.