Damek Claims Track Record At Seventh Start
The record books were re-written last Monday when the flying Damek took .05 off Big Moose's previous best of 29.50 over the 515m at Launceston. Starting from box three in a heat of the Illingsworth Classic, the Big Daddy Cool – World Finest speedster dashed clear early and never looked in danger. Winning by 6 lengths in a sizzling 24.45, it was a great performance considering it was only his seventh start.
The $12,000 final of the Illingsworth Classic is quickly looking a mere formality for the unbeaten Damek, who has drawn beautifully in box two. His only realistic danger seems to be his littermate, Decembrist, who showed uncharacteristic early pace in the heats, and subsequently went on to cruise to a 9.25L victory.
Kialdu Anna, who will start from the pink alley, has been in wonderful form after her heat win made it a hat-trick. She usually needs room to move early, particularly as she's a only tiny bitch weighing in at 25kg. Although she looks to be a fair step behind Damek and Decembrist, trifecta punters will need to include her somewhere.
While Damek is making a habit of thrilling spectators, there are a couple of other youngsters in the state going about their business in promising fashion. Bank on Doom, out of the kennels of Glen Joyce, and Mackie Slater have both been very impressive throughout March and April.
After placings in his first two tries, Bank on Doom collected the Easter Purse in fine style, running 26.17 and 26.26 in the heat and final respectively. He then crushed a juvenile field by 8L at Devonport in 25.80, making it three straight. While Mackie Slater is quickly gaining a reputation as a short course specialist, winning six of seven career starts, including a record-equaling run over the 340m at Hobart.
Mackie Slater is obviously doing a lot to help the growing stud career of Slater with such a good record early in its career. Likewise with Bank on Doom who is an April '08 whelping from underrated sire Bank Manager out of Go Wild Amy.
Both dogs look to have bright futures and don't look far away from picking up a feature race.