Strathalbyn Cup Review
A hot field lined up on Sunday night for the running of the 2014 Daish Irrigation & Fodder Strathalbyn Cup final. Woodnear for Paul Barry was sent out the favourite from his favourable box 3 position however there was good support for the Allan Francis trained Black Daddy and the Troy Murray trained Kalden Balerion.
As the start was effected Who’s Doing What, trained in the South East by Tracie Price, exploded from box 5 to carve across and lead with Woodnear slotting into a nice position just off heels to the inside of Charter for Lauren Harris with kennel mate Blue Viper railing and Black Daddy lobbing midfield. Into the back straight Woodnear pushed up on the inside of Who’s Doing What to take the lead with Blue Viper nice and handy and Black Daddy making ground out wide on the track. As eyes turned for home Woodnear began to paddle in front with Who’s Doing What railing and Blue Viper out three wide. Black Daddy had been making steady ground however he moved to the extreme outside in the home straight and flashed home to grab the leaders and the Strathalbyn Cup crown. He rated a slick 31.48 for the 536m journey defeating Blue Viper and Who’s Doing What who both battled on strongly. Woodnear looked to be in trouble in the home straight and received a check half way down to finish at the rear of the field.
It was Black Daddy’s second run in South Australia since coming from New South Wales after running third in the heat last week and capturing the $7,000 first prize on Sunday night. It was a terrific training performance by Allan Francis to claim the Cup with Black Daddy after only a limited time in SA. Black Daddy has now won 12 races from 42 starts and 11 placings with prizemoney just under $30,000.