SA's National Straight Track Championship Final
The best straight track greyhounds in the State gathered today at Murray Bridge with the best straight line speed sprinters chasing the $5,000 first prize, the honour of being named the best in the state and to represent SA on the National stage in a few weeks time at Capalaba in Queensland for the NSTC.
In a high quality final the David Peckham trained Aston Olenna from Mt Gambier was sent out a warm favourite after his dominant heat win, drawing the coveted red box and trying to complete two straight track titles in the same year. His main challengers in the market were the Tim Richards trained He’s On Fire, who also won his heat in fine fashion, Patched for Nicole Price which has been in red hot form and 2nd Reserve Urana Meat Loaf which gained a start from box 7 for Tracie Price also from the South East.
As the start was affected the wide boxed greyhounds looked to get the best of the jump with He’s On Fire (6), Urana Meat Loaf (7) and Threaten (8) for Ben Rawlings racing to the lead. Aston Olenna began safely and looked to moved forward in the race. Mid race Urana Meat Loaf took the clear lead from the chasing pack with Aston Olenna making ground, unfortunately he stumbled and fell ending his winning chances. Three quarters of the way through and Urana Meat Loaf was going well in the lead, He’s All Purpose for Tim Richards had moved to second along the rails, Patched and Threaten were battling out third while My Name’s Craig for Ben Rawlings was beginning to hit top gear from mid field as they charged to the winning post. Just prior to the line He’s All Purpose had claimed Urana Meat Loaf for the lead and was being hailed the winner however from the clouds came My Name’s Craig through the middle to claim the victory with a brilliant turn of foot. The son of Mepunga Blazer and Proven Scary ran a handy 19.26 for the victory, starting at the amazing odds of $13 considering he was one of the three heat winners from last week. He defeated He’s All Purpose by a neck with Urana Meat Loaf hanging on for third a further 1 ½ lengths away.
My Name’s Craig is owned by the Beach Worm Capital Syndicate, managed by Tyson Panagiotou and has been racing in fantastic form for the Ben Rawlings kennel. He has now won 10 races from 33 starts with 14 placing’s and prizemoney around $26,000.
Both My Name’s Craig and He’s All Purpose after running first and second in today’s SA Final at Murray Bridge will join two representatives from Healesville (GRV), Richmond (GRNSW), and Capalaba (Racing QLD) for the NSTC Final at Capalaba worth total prizemoney of $37,500 ($25,000 to the winner) on Sunday 19th December. We wish the SA greyhounds, trainers and connections the best of luck in Queensland as they do SA proud.