One Two Combo For Bate And Wheeler In Futurity Final
Group Racing returned to Albion Park on Thursday night for the final of the Group 2 Bogie Leigh Futurity. After 4 heats the previous week the first and second place getters took their positions behind the boxes for the $40,000 dollar to the winner final and the title of Futurity winner. Trainer Graeme Bate had two finalists in the race for owner Paul Wheeler and they dominated betting with the favourite Xylia Allen from box 5 starting all the rage after her impressive heat win.
As is often the case in big races and feature finals, the race doesn't run according to script and from start to finish it was a rough house affair with many runners suffering interference and bad luck. Getting through the congestion at the right time, Purcell Bale (box 3) was too lucky for Xylia Allen (box 6) with Celtic Diva (box 1) third. The winning time was a moderate 30.39 for the 520 meter journey with the winner scoring by 1 and three quarter lengths with a head to third.
The beautifully bred Purcell Bale (Dyna Lachlan – Princess Bale) is owned by Australia's leading owner Paul Wheeler, and continued on from the success that he has experienced over many years in the industry – and continues his dominant run in group and feature racing. Trained by leading trainer Graeme Bate (Victoria) Purcell Bale extended her prizemoney to in excess of $67,000 with the win, and her overall record now stands at 18 starts for 8 wins and 5 placings. She is a well travelled young bitch having competed in events in Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. The beautifully bred greyhound will surely go on to bigger things from here as she looks to be a star of the future.
It was a Bate / Wheeler quinella as Xylia Allen (Turanza Bale – Tayah Bale) finally got clear when it was all too late to finish strongly for second. The daughter of Turanza Bale was the short priced favourite pre race after her heat win last week. It wasn't to be for this future superstar as she was hampered from start to finish. She was the obvious hard luck story of the race. Xylia Allen is definitely a greyhound worth following.
Celtic Diva (Collision – Tad Smarter) for owner / trainer Joe Menary held on well for third. The ultra consistent bitch again performed with distinction in another strong performance at her home track. The third place prizemoney taking her past $20,000 dollars in total earnings.
Glen Gallon – Queensland's Best Sprinter (Paw note)
Glen Gallon (Flying Stanley – Incoherent) for trainer Tony Brett continued on his winning return from injury as he dominated the best 8 event winning by 4 and three quarter lengths from Metz Magic with a further 3 lengths to Cakes And Pies in third. The August 2009 dog was ultra impressive leading from start to finish in 29.89 in bringing up win number 32 from 59 starts. For connections it was a further top up of prizemoney as it surpassed $490,000. Glen Gallon has been a super dog for Queensland and Australian Racing over many years with group success all around Australia.