The Bridge Weekly - Review
Perfect conditions welcomed us to another Friday at the Bridge, with the track in ripping order and a gentle breeze around.
Friday’s 12 race programme brought together a high quality set of fields and dogs to do battle. Race 1 and 2 saw some very impressive performances from a couple of youngstars, Departure Gate for Damien Bates and Queen Meares for Troy Murray both coming from off the speed to land terrific wins. Nathan Wilson jagged a quinella in race 3 with the very consistent Runaway Lad holding off a late finishing Oakvale Blue. In race 4 we got to see the high quality greyhound that is Major Major go around over the 530 start and he showed his strength to win in a comfortable 29.77.
Waipahu in race 5 was one of the stronger backed runners for the card after drawing a much needed wide draw. After only jumping fairly, he put the turbo boosters on to win by 10 lengths in a flying 22.20. Aston Cosmo won the 6th in 22.52 for Matthew Payne. This dog has shown his share of ability in Victoria and I suspect this win might be the confidence booster this dog needed to really hit his straps here. Race 7 saw the welcomed return of trainer Ronald Schadow after 13 months as he sent around the high quality Victa Caleb who has had 2 months off. I think it’s fair to say that this dog has enjoyed his change of kennel as he absolutely flew out of the boxes to go 4.97, which is simply as fast they go early. Unfortunately he ran into the flying Slick Riot who again just found a way to win and nabbed Victa Caleb late in 22.43. Race 8 was… hot, with the market suggesting it was a 2 dog race between Fly For Trix and Danyo’s Wylie. It was Fly For Trix who ran down Wylie to win in a quick 25.42 over the 455 trip. A big 6 months looms for Fly For Trix, with the dog really in his zone.
Race 9 saw an unexpected win to Spy Master for trainer Brian Styles, this dog has been flying under the radar a bit winning 4 of his last 7 starts. The 10th saw the super promising Steal The Prize step out again after his dominant win last week over the 395, interestingly he was put straight up over the 455 this week, which tells me this pup has a bit of strength on his side. It was Incognito who jumped terrifically for trainer Lauren Harris to set up a gap early before Steal The Prize tried to run him down, but was unable to do so. A very nice 25.65 win for Incognito. The 11th saw another match race on paper, Zipping Marshall against Fantastic Raven who had been stepped up to the 455. Raven jumped the best however Zipping Marshall caught her before the turn and the big boy walked in for a 6 length win in 25.49, breaking a string of unlucky runs. The last saw Adrien Chevalier send around his kennel start Chief’s Sidekick. Going out as the $2.50 favourite, he had to work super hard mid-race before eventually running down Hot Zorro and Bailey Rocks. Chief’s Sidekick is normally a dog who needs to lead so to do that tells you he is flying and arguably in career best form. Chevy has got him going super.
Another ripping meeting all up, close finishes and fast dogs a feature of the meeting.
Dog to follow: Aston Cosmo - I think he will go right on with the job after this win, he went 5.04 early which tells you he has the speed to lead whatever race he goes around next in. A winner over 500 in Melbourne, so he has plenty of strength. He is also a part of the red hot Matthew Payne kennel.
Racing next Friday (29/1/21)
Next weeks features inc
Grade 6 final (455m)
Picture: Waipahu waltzes in for a 10 length, 22.20 BOD win for trainer Ray Fewings
Credit: Kurt Donsberg Photography