The Barbers unleash their next big thing
Race 1 and a small maiden to kick off another Thursday night at the Bridge. We had a very well supported favourite in Zinfandel Boris who was $1.80 into $1.40. It was a total one-act affair as Zinfandel Boris led the entire way, clocking a very tidy 25.51 in the process. His box manners leave a lot to be desired and if he keeps going 8.23 early he will be in a world of pain, but he can run. Pocket Boy stuck on very well behind and is not far from claiming a maiden win. Race 2 and another maiden, this time over the 395m trip. Just the five dogs went to the boxes and after Illusional made an absolute mess of the start, it became a four dog race. Canya Razor off box 1 and Milly from box 2 led the field early and were matching motors before Canya Razor got clear. With a big jam up behind him he found himself 8 lengths in front around the turn. From there he was able to walk in for a 10 length win, however the time was only 22.85. Race 3 was a rather strong grade 5 over the 395m trip with Allinga Road who was dropping back in trip and Spofforth coming in off a quick straight track run, dominating the market. Allinga Road was back to his old self and bombed the start which completely changed the complexion of the race. Spofforth used the outside perfectly and sailed past the field,, landing a great win and a sizzling 5.04-21.98. Race 4 and our open 395m race. It was another Danyo’s Wylie vs Slick Riot match-up on paper. When the boxes opened it was anything but, as Danyo’s Wylie flew around in 4.94-22.06, never being troubled at any stage to land another picket on the ever-growing picket fence of his.
Race 5 and a grade 6 over the 395m. Lana Roads was a very well backed favourite off the back of its impressive last start run. Anna’s Spark came out really nice in 5.01 and led the field before Kelly’s Missile zoomed around and hit the front. From their she made the race hers and landed a comfortable win, with Lana Roads making late ground behind. Race 6 was our weekly FFA over the 680m trip. The box draws seem to be the difference in these races as it is generally the same dogs going around. New Year Tears was able to find the arm for the first time in SA from the red box and with a bit of jamming behind, pinched a break down the back. Bedrock Fred was able to get in second and start coming at the leader but couldn’t pick up New Year Tears who won in 39.25. Race 7 was a pretty strong race over the 530m trip and we saw a monster move for Rhyme Nor Reason who has recently joined the Harris kennel. He was $7 into $3 off the back of a fair run over the 455m trip last week. Shanlyn Charlott used box 1 perfectly to hold the lead early before the super consistent Gary’s Miracle zoomed around from box 8. They matched motors for a bit however Gary’s Miracle found the front before the turn. Rhyme Nor Reason provided a brief challenge but Gary’s Miracle drew clear and showed her class, landing a quick 29.73 win.
Race 8 was a 455m grade 6 and Agent Hamish started favourite after dropping back from his flying run over the 530m trip. Favourite backers were a bit nervous early as Agent Hamish had to work a little bit to find the front but once he did it was game over. He went on to land a pretty quick 25.41 victory. A clear match race in the market for race 9 between Sudden Force and Canya Bandido with the former starting favourite. The super consistent He’s All Ours was able to lead the field in a 5.00 early split. As they turned for home, Sudden Force was able to get underneath on the rail and present a massive challenge, but he couldn’t pick up He’s All Ours who scored a super gritty win in 22.32. The last race was a very even grade 6 over the 395m trip with Shahaka starting favourite off box 1. It was an even line early before Stormy Missile whipped around from box 8 and put a few lengths on the field. She looked home coming down the straight but Gorgeous George made a massive late run and picked her up, landing a nice 22.61 victory.
Dog to follow: Pocket Boy - Seems to be getting better every time he gets to the track and is really deserving of a victory. He has no early speed which doesn’t help him but he can definitely run. He went 8.36-25.73 chasing Zinfandel Boris who is a very fast dog. Pocket Boy looks to have a future over further and we can definitely keep following him.
Monday Best Bet - (Craggy Island, Race 3 Box #4)
Absolute belter of a race and really looking forward to it. Aston Thunder is first up in SA and has plenty of ability so likely to start a strong favourite. I think Craggy Island can definitely beat him though. He comes here after flying up the Virginia Strack Track as part of their coursing program and his form back in SA has been really good. I just think he can outpace the others in this race and he will need to, particularly if he is to roll Aston Thunder. Should be good odds and worthy of a bet.
Pic: Zinfandel Boris landing a terrific debut victory
Credit - Kurt Donsberg Photography