Back To Ireland Bolts In On Debut At Casino
A handy stewards trial the previous week pointed a good performance from debutante greyhound Back to Ireland, and she didn't let connections down with a sizzling win this week.
She began fairly, and pushed through determinedly at the first bend to take over. Kicking clear in the back straight, the daughter of Whisky Assassin raced away to score by 4 3/4 lengths in 23.23, the best time of the day.
Trainer Bob Humphrey was not on track, but his wife Jan handled the up and comer with aplomb, and with owner Vince O'Connell also present, it was a good day all round.
A consortium of Grafton owners headed by well known race caller Mark Arandale own Kidatee Alf who was successful in the Charcoal Inn stake. Beginning smartly, he was able to keep the rails running at the first turn, holding out Karanne Star who was going with him. They held a two dog “war” down the back and after a little interference behind, Kidatee Alf was able to kick clear and win by 4 1/4 lengths in a handy 27.48. There would have been plenty of cheering in the Jacaranda city.
There were only five starters in the Big Dog Racing Supplements Free For All, but it was an exciting affair. Local favourite Beaver Fever was going for his twentieth win at Casino, but the party was spoiled by the Darren Russell trained Token Sentence. There was only a length covering the field as the went past the winning post the first time, and this was repeated at the end of the race, with the winner getting in by a head. The time of 27.90 indicated the shuffling that took place with the field racing so tightly.
Little Lotto Dude continued on her winning way with a hard fought win in the Shane Newstead Automotive stake. The Greg Hancock trained galloper overcame box four to grab the front at the first bend. She looked all over a winner as they raced down the back, but Norway Miss cam out of the pack to issue a late challenge. In the “wash up” Lotto Dude won by a half length and clocked 23.40, a personal best.
The Blue Paws mixed final has a “mixed” result for punters when 16/1 shot Pro Swan landed the money. She was the best to begin and led all of the way. Favourite Madeline Trick missed the start hopelessly, but put up an outstanding chasing effort to get second place. Dean Turley trains the winner for John Martin.
Mecca Magic got around the leaders on the top turn to take out a keenly contested Ranvet Stake in 23.35 for Jan Finneran and the Casey family, while Miss Black held the rails running throughout to win the Casino Rural Traders maiden in 23.35 for Bob Merillo.
Consistent performer Miss Lyndan came out running to lead all of the way in the Westlawn Finance stake. She held off Kidatee Matt to get in by a head for Terry Jordan. In the following event Piedon Bight showed early speed from the traps to score in similar fashion, running 27.66 for Shane Robinson.
Winnebago Lass made the long trip from the Central Coast to make a “one act affair” of the MC Donald's Phamacy maiden saluting by 7 3/4 lengths in 27.67 for Marion Coady, and Write Off Bart continued his affinity with the Casino track, by winning the Casino RSM Club stake in 27.47 for Nick Tzouvelis.
Casino race again next Friday afternoon.