Rasmussen With A Fantastic Four
Tuesday (Straight track)
Kevin Bewley had another successful venture to the Murray Bridge Straight Track on Tuesday, collecting two winners for his efforts. Oakleigh Reign was the first, with the black dog putting in a somewhat surprising performance from box seven. With a handy beginning, he was given plenty of room early to get into motion, which allowed him to work to the lead. Once in front, he was just too quick and never looked like getting caught, winning in a handy 16.89. It’s fair to say that Westar Storm loves the straight and he showed that again with a thrilling victory over his kennel mate in Limburg Blaze. After being led early from box four, Westar Storm worked his way to the outside, before finding himself with a slim lead. As they hit the finish line, it was a good finish with Westar storm doing enough and winning in 16.91. Well done Kev!
Pepperjack made a return to the straight track after some unlucky runs on the circle recently. He drew low in an even race, but was led comfortably early. With a bit of luck, he was able to get some clear air on the fence and work through his gears. He still had a few lengths to make up as they approached the finish line, but the strong black dog put in a big late burst and got up just in time. His winning time was a best of the day 19.21 for the 350m journey and considering some of the other chasers that went around on the same card, it was a ripping effort.
Nathan Goodenough has built a strong team of chasers recently and unleashed another newbie in the form of Skystone, who had box eight to deal with for his first start in six months and his first South Australian start. It was a handy field, but a quick beginning saw the chaser quickly establish a solid margin. He wasn’t for catching as he roared away for a best of the day 16.72 gallop over the 300m trip. That was his first look at the straight as Nathan has had some injury issues to work through with this dog, so if he can keep him together then he’s going to be winning a stack more!
Dog to follow:
Weblec Jet - A former star who has struggled since doing a serious back leg muscle. His first few starts back in South Australia were fair, but his last couple have definitely been improved efforts, which is a great sign. Two lengths off Pepperback on Tuesday was a good run and he didn’t have much luck either. Weblec Jet has drawn the red in a masters race on Tuesday which is very suitable, so it might be a good time to jump on!
Friday (1-Turn)
Tony Rasmussen had a monster day at the Bridge on Friday, with four winners from the team he brought down. The super young Victa Lisa (Barcia Bale x Hot Sophie) was the first and she was simply terrific at just her second career start. She was specked the week prior and was a green as anything, but showed massive improvement on Friday. She jumped okay but then quickly mustered her way to the lead. Once in front, she was totally dominant, winning in a flying 22.29, which is quite rare for a maiden to run! Victa Tony was the next, showing his love for the one turn circle with an airborne best of day 21.98 victory from box eight. It was a complete procession from the brindle chaser and he will certainly be one of the fancies for the Murray Bridge Derby which is fast approaching. Val Ali showed her true ability, winning in a fast 22.22, before Cawbourne Neo completed the monster day, winning over the 455m trip. Well done to Tony who has got the team humming at the moment.
Springvale Maddi was back to her very best on Friday, with a blistering win after having a short freshen up. She had drawn suitably in box three over the 395m trip, but a flying beginning put the race to bed quickly. Springvale Maddi flew out in a 4.93 first split, which is going to lead anything and she quickly set up a three length margin. Around the turn she held the margin, although Paramount State appeared threatening in behind her. In the end she proved too good, winning by a couple lengths in 22.00, a win that certainly would have given Gavin Harris some relief.
Shelley Trengove had a double for the day as well with a couple of handy winners. Empress Eleven who is homebred put in a good performance to break her maiden over the 395m trip. From box four she was able to jump well and hold the lead early. Despite going very wide on the turn, she was good enough to hold a solid margin and win in 22.79. The always reliable Howling Hoss then added another victory later on the card, getting the job done from box eight over the 530m trip. He had a handy field to contend with, but perfect use of box eight allowed him to roll around them early and get to the lead. From there he was never in danger, easily leading the rest of the trip in 29.91.
Dog to follow:
Man Of Substance - Has had a trainer change, joining Adrien Chevalier’s kennel. He ran second from box eight over the 530m trip, taking some ground off Kruger Lass late which is not easy. Clearly going well and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s winning over the 680m trip soon.