Stamenkovic lands three up the straight
Tuesday (Straight Track)
Bosko Stamekovic had a massive day at the straight track on Tuesday, collecting three impressive winners. The first was Cookie Twist, who was resuming after a long five month lay off. After flying out from box two in a quick 4.38, the black dog travelled beautifully, going all the way in 16.58, winning by 6 lengths in what was a brilliant return. Campagne Lei made it two and made amends for her defeat the week prior. After coming out soundly, she had to deal with some pressure, which she did and then found herself on the rail. After battling for the lead, she was able to finally gain the front near the finish, before winning by a half length in a slick 19.27. Mustelus then completed the trio for Bosko, utilising box eight to perfection. The big white and brindle dog stepped nicely from the wide box, which allowed him plenty of time to balance up. After being led initially, he was able to click up the gears mid race and apply pressure to the inside pair. After finding the front, he was able to hold off a challenger and win in 16.86. Well done to Bosko and a great day, he has certainly got the kennel to return well!
Ray Fewings unleashed another newbie in the form of Irish Heiress (Magical Bale x Kisses For Chloe), who has some interesting breeding behind her. As is generally the case with Ray’s debutants, they are well prepared and ready to go first up, which we saw again with Irish Heiress. Starting a $1.20 favourite from box seven, she jumped sweetly and led easy, before working her way to the rail. The 30kg bitch travelled nicely and won with ease, stopping the clock in a solid 16.99.
Up There Billy continued his total dominance at the straight with yet another win, adding to his lead in the track star award. After not starting favourite, with the returning Aston Olenna taking those honours, Up There Billy began brilliantly from box five, coming out in a hot 4.34 first split. He had quickly set up a nice buffer over the rest of the field and looked good. Towards the end, Aston Olenna was screaming home, but wasn’t good enough to pick Up There Billy who went a flying 16.40 (BOD). His trainer Jack Trengove also picked up another winner in the form of Witty, who went one better than last week. From box eight, she flew out and got herself to the rail, proving too good from there.
Dog to follow: Emerley Poida - He’s been racing consistently for a while now and on Tuesday he started favourite from box seven. Unfortunately, he was flattened early in the race and really struggled to get a clear run until late in the race. Despite the interference, he still found the line well and only went down by a length. I expect him to be back on the winners list shortly.
Sunday (1-Turn)
Matty Payne couldn’t have possibly had a better start to his night on Sunday, taking out the first three races on the card! Homebred Paramount Belle (Aston Dee Bee x Mrs Bubbles) was terrific in breaking her maiden from box one. After being led clearly by Frank Footluce, the brindle bitch was able to find some clear air and land in second approaching the turn. The leader appeared to be slowing down as they turned for home, with Paramount Belle switching to the outside before grinding down Frank Footluce and getting the job done in 22.95. Her brother, Paramount State then took out his second victory in the next race, with a smart performance from box seven. After an impressive effort the week prior, he was able to take luck out of the equation this week, by firing straight to the front and setting up a thee length margin around the turn. In the straight he got tired and had to fend off some challengers, but did so nicely to win in 22.65. The Payne treble was then completed by Aston Presley, who came out beautifully, which he doesn’t always do. The race was over when he led in a slick 5.04 first split, before he gapped the others and stopped the clock in 22.51. A great night for Matty!
Lauren Harris continued her good run at the moment with another double on Sunday. Jazzy Minter was her first winner, with the brindle bitch taking out the fast class race over the 455m trip. She has held some consistent form for quite a while now and that continued on Sunday, thanks to a brilliant beginning. After quickly finding the front, Jazzy Minter travelled strongly and despite a challenge from the inform Stranger Tides, she was far too good, kicking away late for a slick 25.76 win. Me Same You made the most of box one in the next race, over the long 680m trip. In what was a rare sight, we had a full field to contest the race. After being led early, Me Same You mustered through on the rail to find the lead. From there it was a complete one act affair, as he went on to win unchallenged in 39.40, by five lengths! He’s got a real love of this track and distance.
Singin’ Jules broke through for her first victory since July, with a speedy effort over the short trip. In what was her second start since returning back to Bob Harris, the black bitch timed the start perfectly, to lead the grade 4 race with a sharp 4.94 first split. With that, she found a two length lead, before a bit of jamming behind her ensured an untroubled victory. The end result was a four length win in 22.54. Great job Bob!
Dog to follow: Aston Alpha - He’s been racing in terrific form lately but just continues to find one better and again that happened on Sunday, running second behind Two Hands George. Jumping from box, Aston Alpha lobbed a very close second, threatening to muster to the lead up the back straight, but just ran out of room to do so. Around the turn, he hooked to the outside and in the home straight he loomed as big danger. Time ran out and he ended up going down by less than a length, but it was another good run. He will win one soon, just needs a couple things to go right.