Who Knows Darren Proves Too Fast In Gawler Classic
Wednesday
The Gawler Classic Final took centre stage on Wednesday with the race going the way of the very promising Who Knows Darren. Starting as a hot favourite from box three, he came out quickly to lead by three lengths as they went down the back straight. He held that margin until he turned for home where he had a big lead but he did tire late and the fast finishing Ascend gave him quite the fright. In the end, Who Knows Darren was a bit too good in winning with a fast 22.51, giving his trainer Don Turner a terrific thrill.
The Jane McNicholl trained Mellow Mead claimed a terrific breakthrough maiden victory with a classy win from box four over the 400m trip. A clean start allowed her to find a clear lead early and get into full stride down the back. She ran a slick 8.65 first split and was doing it particularly well in front and she was never troubled as she won by five lengths in a good 22.83.
Maddie Schulz also picked up a winner for the afternoon with the fast Rage Quit proving far too good for his rivals. After racing in some tough races, he had a drop in class and made the most of it winning from box two in a red-for 22.63. Coming out quickly and leading, he was able to extend the lead and finished off to record a comfortable win.
Friday
David Perry trained the first winner of the Friday card with Coco Coaster winning the race at good odds over the 643m staying distance. From box four, Coco Coaster held the lead as they went into turn before being pressured in the home straight the first time around. Despite this, she stuck on the rail and down the back had put up a three-length lead and although she got a bit weary late, she had done more than enough to win in 37.94.
Rocket Man Rose produced a massive upset in a high-quality grade 5 over the sprint trip, overcoming box four to defeat a strong field. A slightly slow beginning meant that he was in traffic early and in some trouble but some race smarts saw him stay on the rail and quickly work into second place. A quick burst down the back had him on the heels of the leader before he peeled to his outside and made his charge in the home straight. A powerful finish saw him get up at $41 and win by a length in 23.09.
The Nicole Price trained Boots put together a very impressive performance, to win her first race in South Australia when overcoming box seven over the 400m sprint trip. After an unlucky first up run, the black dog fired out of the boxes for the second time round and led the field comfortably. Up the back straight, he travelled sweetly and had the race in his keeping. A strong finish saw Boots win by a widening six lengths in a flying 22.53, which was an equal best of the day time!