SA Distance Championship & Anniversary Cup
The best greyhounds in the State gathered last Thursday night at Angle Park with the sprinters chasing the $10,000 first prize for the Bargain Steel Centre Anniversary Cup Final and the stayers doing the same for the Distance Championship Final.
Both races highlighted the crème of South Australian racing with quick times and exciting racing the order of the night.
A high quality staying event saw local staying star Bogie Bekim look to continue on his winning ways taking on Interstate raider Mick’s Angel and darling of the local staying ranks Springvale Bryne.
In light rain Bogie Bekim was sent out the punters elect for inform trainer Ben Rawlings. Shortly after the start Bogie Bekim did what was most thought he would and ran to the front and started to open up a sizeable lead with 1 lap to go. Springvale Bryne, Hukanui and Chrichton Bale all gave chase however as they entered the back straight Bogie Bekim had cleared out and was high rolling in the lead by over 6 lengths. The pack gave chase with Mick’s Angel for Victorian trainer Allen Meyer starting to make significant ground from the rear. As they turned for home Bogie Bekim was still going strongly and was able to claim the first prize by over 4 ½ lengths from Mick’s Angel who made terrific ground over the last few hundred metres while Chrichton Bale for Tim Aloisi held on well for third a further 6 ½ lengths back.
Bogie Bekim ran a blistering 43.08 for the 731m journey in wet conditions and continues to dominate the local staying ranks while representing SA on the National level in big Group 1 series.
Bogie Bekim has now won 18 races from 49 starts with 14 placing’s and prizemoney around $180,000.
In the Bargain Steel Centre SA Anniversary Cup Final leading local trainer Cameron Butcher made it back to back successes when On Fire was able to lead most of the way and defeat a high quality field. Cameron won last year’s Anniversary Cup with super chaser Coorong Kid.
Inform sprinter Striker Klinsman for trainer Tony Rasmussen was looking to make it 5 wins from 5 starts in SA and was sent out the race favourite however a wide box and some interference on the first turn put paid to his chances.
On Fire bounced out from box 3 and quickly raced past early leader Tommy’s Tune at the winning post on the first occasion and from there he was never really challenged going on to win by 1 ½ lengths in a blistering 29.59. Signal Peak for Victorian trainer Jamie Quinlivian continues to race in career best form in running second while On Fire’s kennel mate, She’s A Looper flashed home to grab third in a great return to somewhere near her best form, only 1 further length away.
On Fire has now won 15 races from 31 starts and 12 placing’s with prizemoney over $65,000.