SA Distance Championship and Anniversary Cup
The best greyhounds in the State gathered last 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.
In what looked a match race on paper for the SA Distance Championship, turned out exactly that way with Ashom Monelli for Tony Rasmussen just edging out Purpose Driven for Cameron Butcher with both putting up a terrific display of speed and stamina.
Both were well found in the market and as the start was affected Ashom Monelli pounced on the early lead, Cryer’s Plugger for Tracie Price moved into a clear second while Purpose Driven slotted across nicely onto the rails in third place. As the field of stayers raced down the front straight they made for a great spectacle with 1 lap to go as the large crowd was keen in anticipation on what the final lap would bring. Entering the back straight Ashom Monelli began to move away from his rivals however Purpose Driven also made her move running strongly into second position and setting out after her main adversary. Shot Thru for Jamie Quinlivian and Springvale Cooke for Gavin Harris began to make good ground from midfield and looked set to battle out the minor prize as they got the better of Cryer’s Plugger. Ashom Monelli had a handy break off the back straight however turning for home Purpose Driven had closed the margin to inside a length and was full of running. Into the front straight and Ashom Monelli gave a good kick while all the time Purpose Driven was making ground however the post came up too quickly with Ashom Monelli hanging on for a stirring victory in a solid 43.51 for the 731m journey. Purpose Driven was brave in defeat only going down by a neck. Springvale Cooke got home well for third only 2 lengths away just too edge out surprise packet Shot Thru who performed well at only her second start at the distance.
The son of Mogambo and Jackie Bale is owned locally by Tim Aloisi and Matthew Lehman and has now won 25 races from 63 starts with 20 placing’s and prizemoney around $110,000.
In the Bargain Steel Centre SA Anniversary Cup Final one of the best fields in recent years was assembled after three outstanding heats were run last week.
Leading market contenders were the flying Honcho Monelli for Tony Rasmussen, young up and coming star Cairnlea Jet for Petar Jovanovic and last year’s brilliant winner On Fire for Cameron Butcher.
As the start was affected last November’s Gawler Cup winner Windmill Haze exploded from box 7 for Ken Gill to lead easily to the first turn. Cairnlea Jet began well and settled nicely into second position from box 2 and loomed as a big danger however all eyes were back in the field to see where the other big guns were. Both Honcho Monelli and On Fire blew the start from their wide boxes and looked to recover ground with Honcho Monelli worse than midfield and wide leaving the front straight and On Fire last and looking for gaps to the inside. Down the back straight Cairnlea Jet quickly collared Windmill Haze up the inside and raced to the lead, both Bean Monelli for Tony Rasmussen and Fox Gambler for Sharyn Gray were battling out 3rd and 4th however looming large on their outside was Honcho Monelli and from the rear On Fire was getting to the outside of the track and powering home. Off the back straight Cairnlea Jet was full of running and looked to be headed for a scorching time, Honcho Monelli challenged Windmill Haze for second but was still a number of lengths of the lead while On Fire continued to make ground from midfield. Entering the front straight Cairnlea Jet was in no danger and powered to the line with attention now turning to the clock. As the son of Bekim Bale and Cairnlea Elle crossed the finishing line he ran a sizzling 29.45 for the 515m journey in winning by 2 lengths. Honcho Monelli was gallant in defeat after being slow out and wide he still got home in a slick 12.55 while On Fire nailed Windmill Haze for third a further 2 ¼ lengths away, storming home with a flying 12.51 run home.
Full credit must go to Cairnlea Jet however, his trainer and owner Jan Hubbard for a brilliant performance. He only turned 2 years of age last month and to knock of the best sprinters in the state was a superb effort and all goes well for his racing future. Cairnlea Jet has now won 8 races from just 15 starts and 4 placing’s with prizemoney over $26,000.
