Stirling's double highlights fantastic Friday at Gawler
An exciting 11-race program awaited locals as racing returned to Gawler on Friday following a week’s break for the annual Gawler show.
In the opening race on the card, trainer Brenda Oakey backed up her win in Thursday’s night Kings and Queens feature final at Angle Park with Diligent breaking through for its maiden victory. Jumping from box seven, Diligent found the early lead and enjoyed clear running out in front pulling away to win by four lengths in a slick time of 23.14.
Another trainer who enjoyed an excellent afternoon was Graham Stirling who collected a double with a pair of impressive winners. The first was Maestro Luke who capped an excellent run of recent form with its second win to go with three placings in its last five starts.
Making the most of a box one inside draw, Maestro Luke found the early lead with an 8.73 first split and extended the advantage down the back straight before winning by three lengths in 22.73.
Shan’s Jinx made it two winners for Stirling, producing an excellent run home from box four to win a close finish in what was the best race on the program.
There was nothing separating the field around the first turn, but Fantastic Joe was able to take the lead down the back straight and holding it into the home turn.
Shan’s Jinx and Burano made their moves on the home turn with both greyhounds powering to the line but Shan’s Jinx prevailed by a nose in a very tight finish.
The best time of the day came in race 10 with My Mum’s Value producing an excellent run in the free for all over the 400m trip.
In a competitive field, My Mum’s Value raced to an early lead with an 8.62 first split and enjoyed the clear running out in front. While the chasers closed on the home straight, My Mum’s Value held on to win in the best of the day 22.61.