So Be It punches Nationals berth - The Bridge Week in Review
So Be It Super Slick In State Straight Track Final
Sunday Meeting
Rob Harnas has been a regular visitor to Murray Bridge in recent times and he picked up a well-deserved training double on a beautiful Sunday evening.
Pippa’s Hero was the first of the two, with the fawn dog putting together a complete performance to win in fast time over the 455m trip. From box two, he fired to the lead early and very quickly set up a margin on the rest of the field. Around the turn, he railed terrifically and looked to have the race sewn up. Late in the piece he did get a bit weary but had done more than enough and won well impressively in 25.67.
It was a bit of a wait until the last of the night, but Rippin’ Jake made it worthwhile when he took out a grade 6 over the 395m trip. From box two again, he jumped well and quickly mustered along the rail to get his head in front early. Moving around the turn, he held a length margin, but was struggling to break out to a clear lead. Despite being pressured the entire way home, he was able to fight it out and grip for a close win in 22.63, capping off a nice night for Rob!
Lauren Harris also enjoyed a double for the evening, thanks to a couple of very strong performances. In the only 530m event of the night, Daintree Tiger upset a strong field, after using box eight to perfection from the bend start. After a slightly slow getaway which saw him sitting deep on the track early, he had to burn some petrol tickets to push his way to a threatening spot. Despite being very wide as they went into the turn, he made a cracking move and burnt around the field and moved into an ominous second. At the top of the straight, he balanced up to the lead, before taking over and hitting the front. He went on to win by a couple of lengths in 30.16, but it was a very impressive win given the extra work he had to do in the run.
The talented Mia Mighty made it two for Harris, when she proved completely dominant in a small field over the 395m trip. Starting an unbackable favourite, the black bitch scooted out of the boxes early and flew to a clear lead. At no point was she ever in any danger, roaring away for a big seven length win in a fast 22.35.
Tuesday Meeting (Straight track)
All eyes were on our straight track meeting this week with the final of the State’s National Straight Track Qualifier over the 350m trip.
It was a sensational field assembled for the race, following four red hot heats last week. With everything to play for, a terrific race ensued and ultimately it was the Bosko Stamenkovic trained So Be It, who put his brilliance out there for all to see, putting together a wonderful display of speed and strength to cause an upset result.
From box six, So Be It came out well from the boxes and immediately found himself in a tussle with the hot race favourite in Cash On Delivery. With the pair quickly breaking apart from the field, a sensational war emerged with both chasers determined in their pursuit of success in the race. Halfway up, So Be It had worked to a narrow lead and travelled strongly, with Cash On Delivery still right on his heels. As the finish line approached, Cash On Delivery put in one final burst, but So Be It responded powerfully, running away to take out the final in 19.07. Both chasers will represent the state in the national final which will be run in two weeks’ time and they both no doubt perform strongly against the interstate raiders. A terrific win for Bosko and Christine, who have navigated So Be It through a host of injuries throughout his career.
Ed Burrett does not get to many meetings at Murray Bridge, but he has been attending the straight for the last few weeks with his chaser Dragging Boots and it was good to see him enjoy a winning trip on Tuesday, following consistent performances from the black dog. Starting from box eight over the 300m distance, Dragging Boots left the boxes as favourite in the grade five field. After jumping sweetly, he stayed right up the track early and was given plenty of room to work through his gears. With a bit of trouble below with the other chasers, he capitalised in no time and scorched to a big lead, ultimately putting the race away. It was light work late for him, as he strolled in for a strong three length win in a slick 16.67. A very well-deserved win and hopefully a good confidence booster for him!
A terrific week of racing all round at The Bridge!