Julie Gauld’s Whole Kennel Casino Winners
Local trainer Julie Gauld has only two greyhounds in work, and both scored emphatic wins at last Friday's Casino meeting.
Ellie Vista returned to her favourite track to overcome box five and take out the Casino RSM Club Free For All. She took up the running going into the back, and when the judge called a halt, she had won by three lengths in the best time of the day – 22.92.
Not to be outdone, kennelmate Calladot was too powerful in taking out the Ranvet Stake. She won by 3 1/2 lengths, and also broke the “magical” 23 second mark, running 22.98. I'm sure that Julie will be eyeing off the rich Casino Cup series that starts on October 3rd.
Toni Northfield's Tequila Breeze is also in line for a tilt at the cup following her victory in the Westlawn Finance top grade over the 484 metres. She beat a strong field by kicking clear in the back section, and went on to win by four lengths. She ran 27.58, and now has a distinct liking for the grass circuit, winning seven races here.
Trevor Salmoni seems to be able to get runners through to the finals of big races, and he got the quinella in the Blue Paws Distance final. Typhoon Bandit did the “hard yards” by leading the field from the start, but Junior Grey was a little too strong on the day, running over the top of him in the concluding stages to win by a length in 35.90.
The Jim Caden memorial maiden final was won by Byron Miller's Jolly Wild, who was had them covered at the business end of proceedings. The favourite Lady Nessie was taken out of play early when she was dragged down, and it was left to Wheres George to take up the running. Jolly Wild had him in his sights though, and railed through to get the win in 23.46.
One of the most improved greyhounds of recent times is Glen Northfield's Sallama, and she led her rivals a merry dance in the Big Dog Racing Supplements stake. Jumping straight onto the bunny she was never in danger of defeat, winning by four lengths. Her time was a very speedy 35.64, and she should clock up a city win in the forseeable future.
Yorklea Valley got around a packing field to win the Charcoal Inn stake by 1 3/4 lengths in 23.11 for Tony Marras, whilst the unusually named Skeg got up in the last stride to win for Neil Louden. He ran 23.77.
First starter Sprightly Girl looks to have a mortgage on the Blue Paws maiden final after she recorded 27.30 in winning her heat for Darren Russel. Darren also won the other heat with Kidatee Matt, but he only ran 28.03.
Alstonville mentor Neville Robson always has a good one in the yard, and Hi Fi Allegro kept up that percentage by running 27.41, and the remaing race went to Not Too Shabby who recorded her third victory in a week. She ran 27.35, the best over the 484 metres for Les Purnell.
Casino race again this Friday afternoon, then its full steam ahead for the October Racing Carnival with six action paced days.