Miata Named Australia’s Best Greyhound In February 2012
AGRA's Greyhound of the Month for February 2012 is brilliant Western Australian stayer Miata. In February the talented Miata was undefeated winning her only two starts but what a couple of starts they were. The Group 1 Galaxy in Perth and the Group 2 Zoom Top at the Meadows.
Miata recorded her first Group 1 win when she demolished her rivals in the Sky Racing Galaxy final for trainer Paul Stuart. That Group 1 victory should be the first of many this year going on the way she put the sword to Shimaguni who finished second and Zipping Lad who finished fourth behind local stayer Freeway Fame.
With the two Eastern states greyhounds on the arm and Miata ($1.40) in third early she raced between the two going along the back and raced home to set a new race record 41.30 and equal her own track record. Miata is the best WA greyhound seen for many years and Stuart and part owner Nicole Wheeler-Whye must be excited about her future.
The arrival of the mighty Miata in Melbourne, was met with much anticipation in the Zoom Top [725m], and she stamped her authority over the best distance gallopers in the land, an indeed beyond. Trainer Paul Stuart, who also part-owns the daughter of Bombastic Shiraz and Winsome Bluebird with Nicole Wheeler-Whye and her husband Brendan Wheeler son of giant breeder Paul Wheeler.
“I worked for Brendan in NSW up until a couple of years ago, helping him break in his dad's pups. Brendan and I bred Miata, but she's not from Paul Wheeler's bloodline”, Stuart said.
“There was always a question mark over what she could do in the east, but she's ticked one of the boxes to-night which is a great relief.” Stuart said after the run.
Miata ($1.20) won by eight lengths over New Zealand's best stayer, Thrilling Brat ($34.00) [Karen Walsh], with Crafty Lad ($53.80) [Wayne Vassallo] third.
Miata is a Red Fawn bitch whelped October 2009 by Bombastic Shiraz from Winsome Bluebird (Lansley Bale x Winsome Duchess). She raced by Nicole Wheeler-Whye & Paul Stuart and trained by Paul Stuart at Oakford in Western Australia. She has now won 20 races and been placed on twice from his 23 starts. The Zoom Top first prize of $40,000 took her overall prizemoney to $199,065.
The month of February has seen ten group races decided. Miata beat Group 1 & 2 winner Radley Bale. Plus Group 1 winners Midnight Capers, Sure As and Oaks Road for the monthly award.
AGRA congratulates the owners Nicole Wheeler-Whye & Paul Stuart, trainer Paul Stuart and Miata on being awarded the AGRA Greyhound of the Month for February 2012. She joins January 2012 Greyhound of the Month Oaks Road.