SA Distance Championship & Anniversary Cup
2016 SA DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIP & SA ANNIVERSARY CUP REVIEW
On a lovely still night last night at Angle Park the best stayers and sprinters in the State did battle in the SA Distance Championship Final and SA Anniversary Cup Final. Both are time honoured events with a rich history and with $10,000 on offer for each of the winners the racing was tight and competitive.
In the Distance final it was one of the most even finals drawn together with only 3 or 4 lengths separating all competitors on their best times, making it even more even was the scratching of pre post favourite Victorian Bells Are Ringin who was withdrawn for injury.
Race favourites Mija Returns for Ossie Chegia and Victorian Miss Bo Wicked for Peter Gabriel both began slowly as the starter said go with Springvale Bryne for Gavin Harris and Danyo’s Tom for Lauren Harris showing good speed to lead early.
As the field left the front straight on the first occasion Danyo’s Tom and Springvale Bryne were still going stride for stride out in front with Dyna Quote back in third. Making steady ground from the back was Zipping Geoff for Kim Johnstone and Miss Bo Wicked who were both beginning to weave their way through the field. Off the back straight the leaders were beginning to feel the pinch with the swoopers making their runs with a close finish on the cards. Turning for home both Danyo’s Tom and Springvale Bryne shifted out under pressure allowing runs for Zipping Geoff and Miss Bo Wicked who followed him through. You could through a blanket over the field as they crossed the line with Zipping Geoff timing his run to perfection to defeat Miss Bo Wicked by only ½ a length with Springvale Bryne another ½ length back in third. The winner’s time was a solid 43.51 for the 731m journey with last recording a handy 43.82 highlighting the closeness of the field.
Kim Johnstone had a wonderful night with the win of Zipping Geoff her third of the night. In a terrific training performance Zipping Geoff only came to SA in March having his third start in the State tonight and taking out the prestigious SA Distance Championship. Zipping Geoff has now won 9 races from 61 starts with 25 placing’s and prizemoney around $55,000.
One of the hottest fields seen at Angle Park in recent times was drawn together for last nights 2016 SA Anniversary Cup Final with every greyhound given a genuine chance of winning.
It was an interesting betting affair aswell with pre post favourites Coorong Kid and She’s A Looper both from the Cameron Butcher kennel replaced as favourite on track by Caustic Bale for Ben Rawlings who was heavily supported on the back of his strong fourth in the heats and his nice draw.
As the boxes flew open Paddy McBain for Todd Kelly from box 1 speared to the early lead to be quickly challenged by Crisis Bale for Tony Rasmussen. The remainder of the field all began as one vying for a forward position as they left the winning post on the first occasion. Entering the back straight Crisis Bale ran past Paddy McBain and opened up a handy break on the field. Both Coorong Kid and Caustic Bale both began to give chase quickly, challenging Paddy McBain of the back straight. On the apex of the bend Crisis Bale still had a handy break but Coorong Kid was looming large into second spot with Caustic Bale getting squeezed as he went past Paddy McBain and loosing contact with Coorong Kid.
As heads turned for home Coorong Kid raced up to Crisis Bale and put pay to his chances by racing away for another strong win. Coorong Kid won by 1 ¾ lengths ahead of Crisis Bale who again was so brave in defeat after leading for most of the way, with Caustic Bale also running home powerfully into third only ¾ lengths away. It was an outstanding race with all greyhounds likely to have many battles over the next 12 months at the highest level. Coorong Kid won in a sizzling 29.67 making it 9 wins from his last 11 starts all at headquarters and stamping himself as the greyhound to beat in any of the races he competes in.
Coorong Kid has now won 28 races from 72 starts and 22 placing’s with prizemoney over $70,000.