State Finals for the Nationals
2014 NATIONAL DISTANCE AND SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP
SA SERIES – BOX DRAW
Another exciting nights racing last night at Angle Park as the best stayers and sprinters in the State did battle to see who would qualify for the SA finals of the National Distance and Sprint Championships. There were two heats of the Distance and three heats of the Sprint with brilliant performances and terrific entertainment for all concerned.
The first heat of the Distance saw series favourite Token McLaren do enough to win his heat but he had to work hard to do it. The Don Foster trained star began well to sit second behind leader Genghis Kahn before making his move of the back straight however hot on his heels was Defib Daryl for Petar Jovanovic. Turning for home the race was on in earnest with Token McLaren outlasting Defib Daryl by ¾ lengths in the run to the finish line in a solid 43.58 with Jacko Lankan claiming third ahead Genghis Kahn who battled away into fourth.
In the second heat of the Distance Petar Jovanovic had his revenge with Psychotic Gold being super impressive in winning her heat by over 11 lengths in a slick 43.13 on what was considered to be a slow track, after persistent rain during the day. She raced nice and handy early before racing away down the back straight for a dominant win and now looks to be the final favourite after the box draw last night. She defeated Kaylarikki and Zara McLaren who both ran home nicely from the rear of the field.
The box draw was conducted on course last night and it looks like both heat winners are the main contenders however with a full field of stayers engaged, a clear run with be crucial to the final result. The final will be run next Thursday night with the winner going on to represent South Australia at Cannington in WA on Saturday 23rd August in the National final. It will be race 6 on next week’s program and is listed to jump at 8.28pm (SA time).
National Distance Championship SA Series final field in Box Draw order:
1. Jacko Lankan Petar Jovanovic
2. Long Gully Surf Paula Hearnden
3. Kaylarikki Ray Burgess
4. Psychotic Gold Petar Jovanovic
5. Genghis Kahn Kathy Johnstone
6. Defib Daryl Petar Jovanovic
7. Zara McLaren Helen Foster
8. Token McLaren Don Foster
9. Victa Victoria (1st Res) Ron Schadow
10.Husky Dreamer (2nd Res) John Gale
The three heats of the Sprint last night produced some brilliant performances with Cairnlea Layla for trainer Robyn Mackellar continuing on her merry way with 6 wins from her last 6 starts in heat one. She didn’t look at her brilliant best but did enough to lead throughout and secure a spot in next weeks final. She ran 30.11 for the 515m journey defeating Regal Looper and Sporting Tears and should be primed for next weeks final.
In the second heat Kalden Gambino for Troy Murray was able to lead throughout from box 8 and qualify the fastest for next weeks final rating a sizzling 29.84. He defeated Set The Scene who produced a fine finish from well back just ahead of Wild Soul who also finished on nicely. In what was considered the strongest heat all three placegetters broke 30 seconds and are serious players in the final
The final heat saw Sidney’s Shadow for Cameron Butcher make it back to back wins when she was able to lead throughout from box 4 and claim a solid victory in a handy 29.99. Cameron Butcher will be hoping that she can replicate her kennel mate from last, Hope’s Up who won the state final and represented SA in Victoria. She defeated Farmeroo and Punishment who both performed solidly.
The box draw was conducted on course last night and it looks like bookends in the final with Sidney’s Shadow (1) and Cairnlea Layla (8) to dominate the market however no one makes a State final without having the ability to win. The winner of next weeks final will also represent South Australia at Cannington on Saturday 23rd August in the National Sprint final. It will be race 8 on next week’s program and is listed to jump at 9.11pm (SA time).
National Sprint Championship SA Series final field in Box Draw order:
1. Sidney’s Shadow Cameron Butcher
2. Wild Soul Kim Johnstone
3. Set The Scene Laurie Cahalan
4. Kalden Gambino Troy Murray
5. Regal Looper Cameron Bucther
6. Farmeroo Robyn Mackellar
7. Sporting Tears Steve Meimetis
8. Cairnlea Layla Robyn Mackellar
9. Punishment (1st Res) Carole Scott
10.Galilee Spirit (2nd Res) Robert Isaacson
SHAUN MATHIESON
Racing Manager