Sidney's Shadow takes out 2014 SA St Leger
2014 SA ST LEGER REVIEW
Meningie trainer Cameron Butcher looks to have discovered a more than handy replacement for his outstanding sprinter Hope’s Up with Sidney’s Shadow last night dominating an excellent field to take out the 2014 SA St Leger.
Reigning 2012 Greyhound of the Year, Hope’s Up was retired late last year after an outstanding career on the track but it hasn’t taken long for Sidney’s Shadow to show her ability and look to take her crown after qualifying for last months SA Sprint Championship where she finished fifth in the final behind superstar Ernie Bung Arrow she went into last nights SA St Leger as one of the favourites and she didn’t disappoint. She bounced out brilliantly from box 5 to land in front running her first section in a slick 4.44 while her main contenders Wild Soul and Set The Scene both found trouble after slow starts. Sidney’s Shadow went down the back in a solid 16.80 with the race virtually over as she opened up a big lead before flying home to record an easy 6¼ length victory in a sizzling 29.68 for the 515m journey.
The Ray Fewings trained Rajas Ogre did a terrific job to run second making connections very happy as he has made huge progress in the last month after winning his Maiden only 6 starts ago. Sidney’s Shadow kennel mate Boonoona Boy ran third topping of a fabulous night for the Butcher family. A few generations of Butchers were on hand for the presentation with part owners Cameron and daughter Karen on hand along with granddaughter Sidney who Sidney’s Shadow was named after.
Only turning two years old last month Sidney’s Shadow has already built up an impressive record with 7 wins and 9 placings from 17 starts and prizemoney in excess of $14,000. Her next targets look to be the Anniversary Cup series in early March followed by the Breeders 2014 Prelude series culmination with the Group 3 Howard Ashton final on May 29.