Grubb Family Enjoying High Earner – Stylish Moon Litter
When Stylish Abbey and Quick Advance were successful at the LGRC’s Tote Racing Centre meeting on Monday night, it increased the number of victories having been achieved so far by the High Earner – Stylish Moon litter whelped on 3rd February 2011, to a creditable 32.
Raced and prepared by members of Launceston’s highly respected Grubb family, the litter has produced the winners Quick Advance (5 wins), High Bella (1), Kiss Me Elvis (4), Pipstar (8), Roxy Rhythm (5), Sing The Song (5) and Stylish Abbey (4), with only High Lyn having failed to make the grade at this stage of proceedings.
Retired panel-beater Robert Grubb, his wife Beverley and their son Robin, are having the time of their lives sharing the preparation of the team and reaping the benefits.
Robert Grubb has been involved in Greyhound Racing for almost 60 years – long enough for him to forget the name of his first greyhound and first winner.
“I know I won my first race at White City, but cannot recall the name of the greyhound involved,” he explained this week.
However the veteran owner–trainer is quick to nominate the ill-fated Pedro Pronto, by Where’s Pedro from Stylish Dotty and a litter mate of Stylish Moon, as the best he has had the pleasure of racing.
“Pedro Pronto won twenty races and was showing a great deal of potential, before a broken hock curtailed a highly promising career,” he explained.
As far as members of the current litter are concerned, Robert considers them to be of equal ability, with the lightly raced Kiss Me Elvis probably possessed of the most speed.
“The majority of them are very quick beginners, but Kiss Me Elvis can be slow away before finishing off brilliantly,” he explained.
Stylish Moon is to be mated once again with High Earner, a move that Robert considers to be “unconventional.”
“It is probably not considered to be good practice, but we are so happy with this litter that we will go to High Earner a second time,” he explained.
Meanwhile another Tasmanian bred litter to be enjoying great success at the moment is the Bill and Anne Witherden bred Aston Galilee- Patsy Anne litter, whelped on 16th May 2011,which has to date notched up 35 victories.
Winners from the litter include Yappin’ Jack (9 wins), Hindsight (9), Battek Boss (5), Oscar Ralph (1), Orange Boy (1), Sentry Duty (3) and Teddy Tom Boy (7).
Members of the litter are being prepared by several leading Tasmanian trainers including Mangalore’s Mick Stringer and Bracknell veteran Maurie Strickland.
Stringer has been enjoying a remarkable run of success in recent weeks, having prepared a treble at the last two NWGRC meetings conducted at the Devonport Raceway.
Betfair Tasmanian Country Oaks Winner For Victoria
Following her outstanding victory in Tuesday’s Betfair Tasmanian Country Oaks (452 metres), smart bitch Fulande (Surf Lorian – Portent) will be transferred to Victoria.
The Peter Phillips prepared speedster accounted for one of the best fields of her sex seen at the Devonport Raceway in recent times, when she recorded 26.03 in defeating Roxy Rhythm and Sing The Song in the annual feature and appears to have a very bright future.
“Fulande will do her future racing in Victoria from the Bobby Douglas kennel,” June Phillips explained this week.
“We are hoping that she will succeed in the new environment and as a result enhance her value as a brood bitch.”
Fulande is the winner of 11 races and is a full-relation to the well performed chasers Frytson and Falsetto.
“Their dam Portent is a daughter of the very good matron World’s Finest, which produced the standouts Damek and Decembrist among others,” Mrs Phillips explained.
“Unfortunately World’s Finest died recently, which was a great loss as far as we were concerned.”
Both Damek (45 wins) and Decembrist (30 wins), sons of Big Daddy Cool, are standing stud duty at the Phillip’s Copping property.
Meanwhile the David Crosswell prepared Chicka Scott ( Surf Lorian – Moonlite Teddy), finished off in brilliant fashion to take out the Rapidvite Industries Tasmanian Country Derby (452 metres), also conducted at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting.
As predicted, the Eileen Thomas prepared Cointreau Cap ( Premier Fantasy – Alotta Mojo) led them a merry dance from the outset, but Chicka Scott finished over the top to score in the time of 25.75.
Raced by Reg Kay, Chicka Scott has now been seen in the winners circle on five occasions and is proving to be a very handy chaser.
Veteran chaser Rewind (Collide – Ricky’s Angel) was up to his old tricks at the NWGRC meeting, winning his 56th race by taking out the Rapidvite Spray Invitation Stake (452 metres) in typical gutsy fashion.
The old fellow had to call on all of his reserves on intestinal fortitude to run down Seagull Boy in the lane, but eventually prevailed in the time of 25.59, exceptional given the weather conditions.
A huge on-course tip, Captain Thomas (Collision – Lightning Moss) led throughout to take out Tuesday’s Decembrist At Stud Stake (452 metres) in brilliant fashion.
Having only his fourth start in a race, he recorded a slick 25.98 in defeating Winklee Wind (Cool Effort – Pitstop Ash) and Jamella Miss (Premier Fantasy – Contador) and ran right up to a recent sizzling Hobart trial.
The chaser is an occupant of Allison Walker’s Bagdad kennel and appears to have a very bright future.
Joe Pringle Qualifies Four For Tasmanian Country Derby
Despite having qualified four runners for next Tuesday’s $4,400 Rapidvite Industries Tasmanian Country Derby Final (452 metres), Zeehan trainer Joe Pringle is not overly confident of success.
“There are several extremely promising chasers racing in Tasmania at the moment and two of them, Cointreau Cap and Matt’s Entity, have also qualified for the event,” he explained on Wednesday.
“I rate my four as handy, however I believe that they will need luck in running if they are to win, but in saying that I am very pleased that they made it through.”
“Ten years ago they would have been winning regularly, but the competition at the moment in Tasmania is very hot,” he added.
The former mining union boss and supermarket owner’s kennel will be represented by Booze Anthony ( Bit Chili – Wooreddy), Pop’s Castle ( Bombastic Shiraz – Slyan On Fire), Irinka Adam (Irinka Dennis – Irinka Tahnee) and Terry’s Memory ( Velocette – Wee Agree), all raced by his wife Helen.
Booze Anthony qualified for the Country Derby by storming home in the lane to win one of the two heats in the time of 25.99.
Terry’s Memory was placed in his particular heat and Irinka Adam and Pop’s Castle qualified by running fourth.
Pringle, quite probably the only trainer domiciled on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast, currently has five greyhounds in work, but is also handling a litter of 15 month-old pups which are displaying potential.
The Eileen Thomas prepared Cointreau Cap (Premier Fantasy – Alotta Mojo) took out the remaining Country Derby heat in a sizzling 25.56.
The winner of 10 of 21 lifetime outings he sped to the early lead from the red box and was never headed, eventually scoring by two lengths and paying a win dividend of $1.80.
The chaser is raced by a Victorian syndicate headed by Darren McDonald and was transferred to the Thomas kennel immediately he was broken in.
“Darren told me that he would be a handy chaser in Tasmania and he has been proven correct,” Eileen Thomas explained.
“He is a brilliant beginner and can invariably find the lead wherever he draws, so I expect him to lead again from box two on Tuesday.”
Meanwhile Tuesday’s $4,400 Betfair Tasmanian Country Oaks Final will see the clash of several of Tasmania’s most promising bitches.
With the field to be declared later today (Wednesday), Bagdad trainer Rodney Walker is hoping to draw out wide with the outstanding speedster Bell Oh Moss ( Kiowa Sweet Trey – Marananga Moss), the winner of 5 of 9 outings including a 25.55 score at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting.
Walker is planning an interstate campaign with Bell Oh Moss later in the season, which may even see him campaign the bitch in Western Australia.
“My son lives in the West and he is a part-owner of Bell Oh Moss, so it would be nice for him to see her race,” he explained.
“But in the meantime we will concentrate on the job at hand, the Tasmanian Country Oaks Final.”
“We will have to contend with the likes of She’s All Class and probably Pipstar, Roxy Rhythm, Sing The Song and Stylish Abbey, so it will be a super field for sure.”
New Kid On The Block Takes Devonport City Invitation
Astute Penguin mentor Butch Deverell is enjoying great success with the flying Matt’s Entity (Vee Man Vane – Top Entity), which took out Tuesday’s Devonport City Invitation (452 metres) in super fashion.
The chaser has won six races since entering the Deverell kennel two months ago and was at his brilliant best on Tuesday afternoon, defeating Seagull Boy (Premier Fantasy – Petal) and Painted Amigo (Scull Murphy – Painted Shaza) in the time of 25.92.
Left in his wake was one of the best Invitation fields seen at the Devonport Raceway in recent times , including the champ Rewind (Collide – Ricky’s Angel), which was shooting for his 56th victory.
Deverell purchased Matt’s Entity after the chaser had won at his first three outings in New South Wales over the short distance.
“I am really pleased that I did, he is a brilliant speedster and if I can improve his stamina, I think he will go a long way,” he explained.
“He smashed the 340 metre track record in Hobart last Thursday night, reducing it from 19.33 to 19.14, which is an indication of his ability.”
Deverell will target next Tuesday’s Rapidvite Industries Tasmanian Country Derby Heats to be conducted at the NWGRC meeting with Matt’s Entity, which is sure to give a great sight in what will be a keenly contested affair.
For greyhounds that were whelped on or after 1/12/2010, those that qualify will race for a purse of $4,400 the in the Tasmanian Country Derby Final the following Tuesday.
Meanwhile one of the progeny of the former Deverell prepared standout Big Moose, has struck a purple patch of form for Exeter owner-trainer Patricia Howard.
Winklee Venus, a daughter of the Regent Thunder bitch Winklie Bindie, made it two wins in succession on Tuesday when she took out the Devonport City Council Grade 5 event, paying a win dividend of $6.30.
At her previous outing at the LGRC meeting conducted at the Tote Racing Centre on April 22, she had saluted the judge paying the lucrative win dividend of $58.
Ted Howard, who assists his wife with the preparation of her team, gave Winklee Venus little chance of winning, saying that it came as a complete surprise.
The Howard’s enjoyed success with pacers three decades ago, winning among other races the prestigious St Marys Cup on New Years Day, but then elected to concentrate on greyhounds.
Only recently Ted decided to try his luck with a pacer again and is currently working a Fred Barker bred youngster with another veteran of the racing game in Glengarry’s Kevin Gillies.
Fastest time of the day at Devonport on Tuesday was recorded by debut runner Jeff The Tipster (Mantra Lad – Petal), an occupant of Russell Watt’s Moorleah kennel.
He sizzled to a 25.64 score in the Betta Milk Juvenile (452 metres), putting six lengths between him and his rivals while paying a win dividend of $3.80.
The Champ Rewind Creates History At Devonport
It’s official – the champ Rewind has won more races than any other Tasmanian greyhound has done before him.
Now four years and two months of age, the son of Collide recorded his 55th victory when he disposed of his rivals in Tuesday’s WHK General Insurance Invitation (452 metres) conducted at the Devonport Raceway.
The previous Thursday night at the HGRC meeting conducted at Tattersalls Park in Hobart, he equalled the previous record of 54 victories established in the late 1950′s by Valiant Spirit.
Owned and prepared by Bracknell’s Maurie Strickland, Rewind has been to the sports on 90 occasions for 55 wins and 25 placings, while accumulating a purse of $222,290.
On Tuesday he appeared to be in trouble on the corner as a raging $1.30 favourite, racing in the middle of the track and spotting the tearaway leader Franklin Bluboy several lengths.
However as is usually the case, he gathered momentum in the straight and forged to the lead, eventually scoring by a length in the time of 25.73.
One of the most popular greyhounds to have ever graced the arena in Tasmania, the champ is expected to contest next week’s City Of Devonport Cup (452 metres) at his favourite venue, which has seen him record 22 wins and six placings from 31 attempts.
“It is amazing how popular Rewind is, in fact he has gained recognition Australia wide,” a humble Maurie Strickland explained after the race.
“People ring me from all over Australia, for example one old fellow from Brisbane rings me every couple of weeks for an update and says that he walks to his local pub and watches him every time he races.”
Valiant Spirit, by Farrago from Bright Ess, was bred by Mrs Andy Johnson and whelped in March 1955.
Despite having won a race at his third attempt for trainer Jack Slater, owner John Hawksley considered that his future was limited and sold the chaser to accomplished mentor Jim Breen, who quickly transformed him into a super star.
At the conclusion of his career, Valiant Spirit had won 12 races on the flat and 42 over the hurdles, meaning that he is probably the greatest ever Tasmanian hurdler.
In 2010 he was inducted into the Tasmanian Greyhound Racing Hall Of Fame, joining such champions as Ophir Doll, True Vintage, Mystery Bridge, Oak Queen, Peace Gift, Social Dancer, Top Shiraz, Ebony Minda, Bomber’s A Flyer, Busy Vintage, Royal Griffin, Wynlee Wonder and Red Avis.
Prior to purchasing Rewind from breeder Terry Penny, probably the best greyhound that Maurie Strickland had prepared was also a hurdler – the flying Golden Unicorn.
“He won 40 races in total and I think 38 of them were over the hurdles, including eleven in succession at one stage of his career,” he explained.
“He had an almighty leap, in fact one night in Hobart he was third approaching a hurdle but passed the two dogs in front of him in mid-air, it was a wonderful spectacle.”
Meanwhile the brilliant bitch She’s All Class, lived up to her name at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting by winning the WHK Classic (452 metres) in brilliant fashion.
Forced to race outside the speedy Cointreau Cap for the majority of the race, the David Crosswell owned and prepared daughter of Dyna Lachlan prevailed in a fighting finish, recording the fastest time of the day 26.69.
Yappin’ Jack Gives Mick Stringer His First Illingworth Classic
Classy youngster Yappin’Jack provided ace trainer Mick Stringer with his first taste of Illingworth Classic glory when he blitzed his rivals in Monday night’s feature.
Beginning brilliantly from the green box, the son of Aston Galilee was quickly in command of the situation and then proceeded to give his rivals a galloping lesson, eventually winning by five lengths while covering the 515 metre trip in a scintillating 29.55.
Returning a win dividend of $3.70, the chaser defeated Gracie ($17.70) and Jack O’Reilly ($4.50), with the well supported race favourite Bell Oh Moss ($2.80) a handy fourth.
Yappin’Jack’s outstanding win continued the great run of success being experienced by Westbury owner – breeders Bill and Anne Witherden.
At their initial attempt at breeding, the now retired couple mated their bitch Patsy Anne with Aston Galilee and the resultant litter of ten has included the winners Battek Boss, Hindsight, Teddy Tom Boy, Orange Boy and Sentry Duty, in addition to Yappin’ Jack, the winner of eight of his 12 outings.
Stringer also has a very high opinion of another of the litter in Oscar Ralph, which at this stage of proceedings is displaying plenty of potential without actually greeting the judge.
“It gave us a wonderful thrill to win such a prestigious event as the Illingworth Classic, we are over the moon,” Bill Witherden explained on Tuesday.
“Mick Stringer has done a great job with our greyhounds and we couldn’t be happier.”
It is believed that the master trainer will give Yappin’Jack a brief respite, before targeting the Country Derby series at the Devonport Raceway.
The Witherden’s are now rearing eight seven-week old pups from Patsy Anne by Lochinvar Marlow and are naturally hoping that they also, will prove to be competent chasers.
Meanwhile classy bitch She’s All Class was back to her absolute brilliant best at the Devonport Raceway on Tuesday afternoon when she blew her rivals away in Division 5 of the WHK Classic (452 metres).
Coming from the black box, the daughter of Dyna Lachlan flew the lids and in the twinkling of an eye had put five lengths on her rivals.
That advantage was extended to almost ten lengths on the wire, the clock having been stopped at a sizzling 25.30.
It has been sometime since that time was recorded at the venue, the track record 25.13 for the distance having been established back in 2000 by the standout Lilli Pilli Lad.
She’s All Class, a member of successful brood bitch It’s A She’s second litter, is very lightly raced due to injury, her current lifetime record an impressive six victories from ten lifetime outings.
“It’s not often they run that time at the Devonport Raceway,” trainer David Crosswell explained after the race.
“She injured a toe and I had it removed, which meant that she was off the scene for quite a while recuperating.”
The Longford based Crosswell is uncertain about the bitches immediate future, but it is highly likely that he will target the Country Oaks following next week’s WHK Classic Final.
Father And Daughter To Lock Horns In Illingworth Classic Final
In what is probably a first, Mount Direction father and daughter Laurence Mulligan and Donna Goodluck have qualified greyhounds for Monday night’s $20,760 Shaw Contracting Illingworth Classic Final (515 metres) to be conducted at the LGRC meeting in Launceston.
Laurence prepares Director ( Cosmic Rumble – Icy Popsicle) which qualified for the rich event by winning his heat in the time of 30.34 and Donna is responsible for Gracie ( Where’s Pedro – Smart And Sassy), which prevailed in a slick 29.94.
Both chasers are raced by Karleen Cuthbertson and Sally Wilson and are recent additions to the Mulligan and Goodluck kennels.
Laurence is no stranger to Illingworth Classic success, having won the prestigious event previously with the classy Bomber’s A Flyer (Friendly Flyer – Coral Blue), which retired in 1998 boasting the remarkable lifetime record of 33 wins and 18 placings from 59 outings and a purse of $64,000.
“Director may not be a Bomber’s A Flyer but we have qualified for the race and are in with a chance, despite the fact that we have drawn the blue box,” he explained this week.
“I believe that Rodney Walker’s bitch Bell Oh Moss, which makes a habit of breaking 5 seconds for the first split, is the obvious danger from the pink box.”
This is the first occasion that Goodluck has qualified a greyhound for the Illingworth Classic and she is naturally over the moon at having a runner in the event.
Drawn in the white box, Gracie will be in the firing line for a long way and her qualifying time was the second fastest of the heats behind Bell Oh Moss (Kiowa Sweet Trey – Marananga Moss), which flew the lids and recorded an exceptional 29.81.
“I am not concerned with the draw, my bitch usually begins nicely wherever she draws and I couldn’t be happier with her at the moment,” she explained.
“You’ve got to be in it to win it and luck in running, as always, will play an important part.”
Bell Oh Moss made it three in a row by winning her heat and is probably the logical favourite from the pink box, although she is a chaser that in the past has flown beneath the radar, returning win dividends of $6.90, $19 and $8.60.
If she displays her customary early brilliance she will most likely occupy the premier position and take plenty of running down.
The remainder of last Monday night’s heats was won by the Peter Dalton owned and prepared Willy Wag Tail ( Cosmic Rumble – Ricky’s Angel), which atoned for recent second placings by scoring in the time of 30.10.
A high speed chaser, he has entered the winners circle on eight occasions for his St. Leonards based
owner – trainer, while accumulating a purse of in excess of $14,000.
Dalton will launch a two-pronged attack on the prize money, he having also qualified Willy Wag Tail’s litter-brother Tic Tac Thomas, which is the winner of three of 17 outings and stakes of in excess of $7,600.
$20,760 SHAW CONTRACTING ILLINGWORTH CLASSIC FINAL (515 METRES)
1. JACK O’RILEY (Knocka Norris – Regent Ebony) TRAINER: DAVID POLLEY
2. QUICK ADVANCE (High Earner – Stylish Moon) TRAINER: ROBIN GRUBB
3. GRACIE ( Where’s Pedro – Smart And Sassy) TRAINER: DONNA GOODLUCK
4. DIRECTOR ( Cosmic Rumble – Icy Popsicle) TRAINER: LAURENCE MULLIGAN
5. WILLY WAG TAIL (Cosmic Rumble – Ricky’s Angel) TRAINER: PETER DALTON
6. YAPPIN’ JACK ( Aston Galilee – Patsy Anne) TRAINER: MICK STRINGER
7. TIC TAC THOMAS (Cosmic Rumble – Ricky’s Angel) TRAINER: PETER DALTON
8. BELL OH MOSS (Kiowa Sweet Trey- Marananga Moss) TRAINER : ROD WALKER
9. FULANDE (Surf Lorian – Portent) TRAINER: PETER PHILLIPS (EM 1)
10. BIG PIPPY LEIGH (Knocka Norris – Em’s Solo) TRAINER: ROD CALLINAN (EM 2)
Aston Galilee – Patsy Anne Litter Continues To Shine
A feature of Monday night’s LGRC meeting conducted at the Tote Racing Centre was the dominance of members of the highly successful Aston Galilee – Patsy Anne litter which provided three winners on a ten event card.
Hindsight, Yappin’ Jack and Teddy Tom Boy all greeted the judge in their respective events to continue the great run of success being experienced by Westbury owners Bill and Anne Witherden.
Hindsight and Yappin Jack’ are both occupants of Mick Stringers Mangalore kennel, whereas Teddy Tom Boy is prepared by veteran Bracknell mentor Maurie Strickland.
Of the three, Yappin’ Jack was probably the most impressive, scoring by 11 lengths in a best of the night time of 29.72 and paying a dividend of $1.30.
All three will progress to heats of the time honoured Shaw Contracting Illingworth Classic to be run at next Monday night’s LGRC meeting.
The first two runners home in each of the four heats will then contest the rich final to be conducted the following Monday night.
Named in honour of one of Tasmania’s greatest administrators, the Shaw Contracting Illingworth Classic is a regular feature on the LGRC calendar and carries stake money of $20,760 ($14,000 to the winner).
Heat 1 brings together the outstanding chasers Sing The Song, Rumbling Rick, Yappin’ Jack and recent Breeders Classic victor Bell Oh Moss.
Heat 2 will see the clash of Willie Wag Tail, Hindsight, Pipstar and Quick Advance, the latter pair being members of the outstanding High Earner – Stylish Moon litter.
Another two members of that litter, in Kiss Me Elvis and Roxy Rhythm will clash with Teddy Tom Boy and Tic Tac Thomas in Heat 3.
Heat 4, which is probably the weaker of the four, brings together the likes of Stylish Abbey, Jack O’Riley, Technology. Got Beer Goggles and Gracie.
Meanwhile smart bitch Lily Rocket continued on her winning way at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting conducted at the Devonport Raceway, the daughter of Brett Lee now having won four from four with the promise of more victories in the future.
An occupant of Rod Ransley’s Brighton kennel, she blitzed her rivals at her initial run at the venue from the red box at odds of $1.20.
The astute Ransley predicts a bright future for the bitch, but wishes that her litter sister Lady Eve possessed the same desire to win.
“Put them two out Lady Eve will win every time, but she unfortunately does not have the right attitude at this stage of her career,” he explained.
Ransley returned to the industry after a spell in suburbia a couple of years ago and was instantly successful with the smart chaser Rubicon George.
Over the years he has prepared outstanding chasers of the calibre of Level County, Regent Action and more recently Apparently So and is a welcome addition once again to the ranks of Tasmanian trainers, despite now only applying the polish to a small team.
Bell Oh Moss In Breeders Classic Boilover
Smart bitch Bell Oh Moss (Kiowa Sweet Trey – Marananga Moss) upset her more fancied rivals in winning the rich Launceston Veterinary Hospital Breeders Classic Final (515 metres) conducted at Monday night’s LGRC meeting at the Tote Racing Centre.
Despite having been impressive in firstly winning a heat and then a semi – final of the prestigious event in the time of 29.87, she was unwanted in wagering on the event, paying a win dividend of $19.
Prepared by veteran mentor Rodney Walker, Bell Oh Moss began nicely from the pink box and was able to track the leader Willy Wag Tail (Cosmic Rumble – Ricky’s Angel) throughout, before railing underneath him in the concluding stages to score an impressive victory.
The bitch had a length and a half to spare at the wire, the journey having been covered in the time of 30.09.
Roxy Rhythm (High Earner – Stylish Moon) filled third placing, with race favourite She’s All Class (Dyna Lachlan – It’s A She), a close up fourth after meeting early interference.
As always, the Breeders Classic Final proved to be a great spectacle, the $3.80 offered about She’s All Class an indication of the depth of the field.
Meanwhile a feature of Monday night’s LGRC meeting was the performance of the highly successful High Earner – Stylish Moon litter, members of which were seen in the winners circle on no less than three occasions.
Sing The Song, Pipstar and Kiss Me Elvis all greeted the judge to give Launceston’s Grubb family a night to remember.
Kiss Me Elvis was particularly impressive, taking out the The Vet Nurses Grade 5 (515 metres) in a best of the night time of 29.70.
The litter has taken all before it in recent months, carrying on the good work started by Stylish Moon’s dam Stylish Dotty, which produced the winners of 151 races in a litter by the top sire Where’s Pedro.
Smart bitch Tiza Gold (Where’s Pedro – Tiza Moment) continued on her winning way at the meeting when she took out the Dr Kim Barrett Invitation (515 metres) for Brighton trainer Laurie Hills.
The bitch led them a merry dance from the check box, defeating Tadmore Dunoon (Collision – Baretta Betty) in the time of 29.87 and paying a win dividend of $4.40.
Tiza Gold has now won four of her last six outings and nine of 44 lifetime, displaying a particular liking for the Tote Racing Centre circuit.
Smart bitch Lily Rocket (Brett Lee – Lily Eve) kept her unbeaten record intact at the meeting in winning the Dr Fiona Duggan Juvenile (515 metres) in the time of 30.19.
Only 23 months old, she has now won three from three from the kennel of astute Brighton trainer Rodney Ransley and appears headed for bigger and better things.
She’s All Class Fastest Breeders Classic Qualifier
Brilliant bitch She’s All Class recorded a sizzling 29.72 in winning her Breeders Classic Semi-Final (515 metres) at Monday night’s LGRC meeting.
The David Crosswell prepared speedster defeated the Ricky Ponting owned Rumbling Rick by four lengths and returned the very good win dividend of $12.
By Dyna Lachlan from the wonderful producer It’s A She, She’s All Class was resuming from an injury enforced spell and has now won five of her eight starts while accumulating a purse of in excess of $8,000.
The first of Monday night’s semi-finals was won by the Rodney Walker prepared Bell Oh Moss, which led them a merry dance from the red box at odds of $6.80.
The Kiowa Sweet Trey – Marananga Moss bitch defeated Quick Advance by three lengths and was responsible for a slick 4.96 opening split.
Teddy Tom Boy, one of the highly successful Aston Galilee – Patsy Anne litter, took out the second semi-final from the Maurie Strickland kennel.
Also racing from the red box, he recorded a time of 30.24 in defeating Bain’s Lane by three lengths and returned a win dividend of $5.
The remaining semi-final was won by the classy bitch Roxy Rhythm, which recorded a time of 29.88 in defeating Willy Wag Tail from the pink box.
One of two of the High Earner – Stylish Moon litter to qualify for next week’s rich finale, she returned a win dividend of $3.10 and has now won five of 13 lifetime outings and stakes of in excess of $8,000.
Veteran Hobart mentor Mark Sutcliffe provided the surprise of the LGRC meeting when he took out the Mitsubishi Autumn Distance Medley Series Final (720 metres) with Surf Osti.
By Surf Lorian from Maria’s Conquest, he prevailed in a close finish by defeating Greysynd Merry and Paper Trail at odds of $23.00.
Sutcliffe, best known as the trainer of the former Launceston Cup winner Fisherman, has now won six of 43 outings with Surf Osti, whose future may very well be in distance events.
Meanwhile the champ Rewind recorded his 53rd victory at the NWGRC meeting on Monday afternoon and is quickly closing in on the all-time record number of wins by a Tasmanian greyhound.
Showing his customary early brilliance, the old fellow led throughout to take out the Furniture City Invitation (452 metres) in the time of 25.57.
Diminutive bitch Tiny Tilly, by Head Bound from It’s A She, showed great courage to challenge Rewind for the entire race and at the wire was still trying her heart out in second place.
LAUNCESTON VETERINARY HOSPITAL BREEDERS CLASSIC FINAL (515 metres)
TOTE RACING CENTRE MONDAY NIGHT MARCH 25
1. Willy Wag Tail (trainer Peter Dalton)
2. Teddy Tom Boy (Maurice Strickland)
3. Bain’s Lane (Richard Post)
4. She’s All Class (David Crosswell)
5. Quick Advance (Robert Grubb)
6. Rumbling Rick (Dale Hammersley)
7. Bell Oh Moss (Rodney Walker)
8. Roxy Rhythm (Robert Grubb)
9. Pipstar (Robin Grubb) 1st Emergency
10. Hindsight (Mick Stringer) 2nd Emergency
Win 52 For Rewind In Ivory Memorial Classic
Local champ Rewind continued on his winning way at the Devonport Raceway on Tuesday afternoon when he led them a merry dance in the $5,760 Reg and Aileen Ivory Memorial Classic (452 metres).
The four-year-old has now won 52 races and accumulated stakes of in excess of $216,000 and is being compared with our greatest chasers, in fact it is believed that 56 lifetime victories would surpass any previous record.
The Maurie Strickland owned and prepared marvel flew the lids from the red box on Tuesday afternoon and was never headed, eventually defeating Fine Eagle and Martello Towers in the time of 25.53.
The late Reg and Aileen Ivory were legends of the sport in Tasmania and their memorial race is a regular feature on the NWGRC calendar.
Their kennel produced some outstanding chasers of the calibre of Tugrah Beaver, Scott James, Hindu Flame, Unique Venture and Sally’s Jim.
The Ivory’s son-in-law, NWGRC chairman Gary Sutton, made the presentation to the Bracknell based Strickland and in doing so described Rewind as one of the best chasers to have graced the arena.
In return Strickland commented that he believed that Reg Ivory was one of the best trainers he had encountered and that it was an honour to win a race named in his memory.
Meanwhile a battle royal is looming at Launceston’s Tote Racing Centre on Monday night when our best stayers lock horns in the Mitsubishi Autumn Distance Medley Final (720 metres).
It was thought that the super bitch Cheetah Zorro had a mortgage on the race, however she went down fighting behind the Doug Cassidy prepared Paper Trail in one of two preludes conducted last Monday night and the Margaret Rossendell prepared Canadian Bay was impressive in winning the other.
Monday night’s LGRC meeting will also feature the running of the Launceston Veterinary Hospital Breeders Classic Semi Finals (515 metres), which culminate in the rich final the following Monday when a first prize of $5,000 and a breeders bonus of $4,500 will be decided.
Unbelievably, Launceston breeder Robert Grubb will provide seven of the semi-final runners, all members of a High Earner – Stylish Moon litter.
Best known as the owner of 2011 Launceston Cup winner Fisherman, Grubb has been involved in Greyhound Racing for 40 years and along with his wife Barbara, is still actively involved.
The pair prepare three of the litter, namely Roxy Rhythm, Sing The Song and Quick Advance, from their Norwood kennels, their son Robin prepares Pipstar, Kiss Me Elvis and Stylish Abbey at St Leonards and Karoola based Dennis Turner attends to Hi Lyn.
Kiss Me Elvis recorded a slippery 29.90 in qualifying for the semi-finals last weekend, as did Yappin Jack, a member of the highly successful Aston Galilee – Patsy Anne litter and an occupant of Mick Stringer’s Mangalore kennel.
That chaser followed up with an outstanding 25.50 score in the Sally’s Jim Grade 5 (452 metres) conducted at the NWGRC meeting on Tuesday.
Stylish Abbey recorded a slightly slower 29.93, the box draws to obviously play a major part in deciding which young chasers compete for the riches the following week.
The Lights Go Out In Launceston – Again
Monday night’s combined greyhound – harness meeting at the Tote Racing Centre in Launceston had to be abandoned after the third race of each code due to a lighting failure.
Ten greyhound and nine harness races were programmed, however patrons and participants were once again left lamenting.
The dual code meetings have proven to be very popular in the past, but two of the last three have marred by lighting failures.
Without being an electrician, it is fairly obvious that the system is not capable of sustaining lighting for any length of time over both circuits.
The fact that the meeting was abandoned did not prevent the classy Brendan Pursell prepared bitch Cheetah Zorro from continuing on her winning way however.
She made it five wins in succession by taking out Heat 1 of the Mitsubishi Autumn Distance Medley (600 metres) in her customary brilliant fashion.
Paying a dividend of $1.30, the daughter of former top staying bitch Fallen Zorro defeated Canadian Bay and Paper Trail by two lengths in the time of 35.06.
Raced by Col Garity and Barry Heawood, Cheetah Zorro has proven to be a revelation since entering Pursell’s kennel and has been unplaced only once in twenty attempts.
The first event on Monday night’s abandoned card was won by the well related bitch Buckle Up Vurlie, an occupant of Gary Johnson’s Ulverstone complex.
By Collision from Everlong Bale, she recorded her debut victory by taking out the Furniture City Juvenile Stake (515 metres) in the time of 30.86.
Meanwhile local champ Rewind won his 51st race at the Devonport Raceway on Tuesday afternoon when he prevailed in the Magic Sprite At Stud Invitation (452 metres).
The Maurie Strickland owned and prepared son of Collide engaged in an early speed duel with Magic Moss, but then assumed control on the turn for home, before winning comfortably in the time of 25.62.
“Rewind won his 50th race in Hobart last Thursday night and that coincided with his fourth birthday,” Strickland explained after the race.
“He is still racing with plenty of zest, so I will keep him going a bit longer,” he added.
It is believed in living memory that only four other Tasmanian greyhounds, in Mystery Bridge, Stylish Doctor, Tugrah Beaver and Valiant Spirit, have won more than a half century of races and that if Rewind can eventually greet the judge on 56 occasions, he will be the “winningest”ever Tasmanian chaser.
Smart chaser Nooee’s Lad kept his Devonport Raceway record intact at the NWGRC meeting when he was successful in the Hankook Tyres Grade 4 (452 metres).
The Butch Deverell prepared Craig French owned son of Knocka Norris flew the lids and was never in danger of defeat, paying a dividend of $1.90.
Have Greyhounds Would Like To Travel
Recently retired Westbury owners Bill and Anne Witherden are hoping that in the not too distant future their greyhounds will fund the traditional “lap of honour” around Australia undertaken each year by many of their age group.
The former North West Coast farmers are currently enjoying great success with members of their Aston Galilee – Patsy Anne litter and if the trend continues, appear certain to eventually embark on the journey.
The couple became involved with the Greyhound Racing industry by purchasing Patsy Anne from prominent breeder Byron “Eddie” Edwards and placing her with Leith trainer Gary Johnson.
They enjoyed immediate success with the daughter of Where’s Pedro, winning 13 of 44 lifetime outings while accumulating a purse of in excess of $25,000 and are now also enjoying similar success with her progeny.
“We won the Pinnacle, Charmer’s Lodge Laurels and 2009 Oaks with Patsy Anne and had a great deal of fun with her,” Bill explained.
“It was then virtually a formality that we breed a litter from her and attempt to rear them ourselves.”
Patsy Anne’s first litter by Path To Power encountered many problems, the two surviving members failing to make the grade, however four members of her second litter have already won races and are displaying plenty of potential.
“I bred Patsy Anne to Aston Galilee because I was particularly impressed with his bloodlines,” Bill explained.
“By Bombastic Shiraz and being closely related to Knocka Norris on his maternal line certainly caught my eye.”
Hindsight (4 wins), Yappin’ Jack (4) and Battek Boss (1) have all greeted the judge from Mick Stringer’s Mangalore kennel and veteran Bracknell trainer Maurie Strickland produced Teddy Tom Boy cherry ripe for a debut victory at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting at the Devonport Raceway.
Two other members of the litter in Oscar Ralph and Oliver Twist are both likely to open their winning account in the very near future.
Patsy Anne has recently produced another litter comprising 12 members by Lochinvar Marlow and they are currently in the care of the Witherden’s at their Franklin Street property.
Naturally they are hopeful that these pups will also become successful chasers and contribute further to their travelling fund.
Meanwhile Brighton trainer Brendan Pursell’s run of success continued at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting when he prepared another double.
Kula Girl made amends for recent placings with a strong victory in the Cripps Nubake Grade 5 (452 metres) and in doing so recorded her first win since being transferred to Tasmania in January.
The following race saw Gatty Com return to the winners list by taking out the Synectic Devonport Grade 3 (452 metres), his 12th victory on Tasmanian soil.
Cheetah Zorro Responds To Pursell Polish
Bombastic Shiraz bitch Cheetah Zorro continued on her winning way at the Devonport Raceway on Tuesday afternoon by winning the $4,340 Betfair Distance Championship (580 metres) in brilliant fashion.
The race unfolded exactly as most pundits had predicted, with Cheetah Zorro and the Shane Whitney prepared Silent Giggle fighting tooth and nail in the lane, until the former prevailed by a length in the time of 33.42.
The previous week both chasers had won their heats of the feature, with Silent Giggle recording a time of 33.48 and Cheetah Zorro 33.51.
Since the Brighton based Pursell, a former harness racing participant, decided to pursue a career in Greyhound Racing, he has proven to be a great success.
Cheetah Zorro, a daughter of the former top stayer Fallen Zorro, has now won nine races in his care including two at The Meadows.
The bitch is raced by prolific breeder Barry Heawood and Col Garity and will now contest the Mitsubishi Autumn Distance Medley Series to be conducted at the Tote Racing Centre in March.
“Cheetah Zorro has been very good to me, in fact she has only been unplaced on a couple of occasions since I started with her, which is very pleasing,” the trainer explained on Tuesday.
Pursell’s wife Lynne was also seen in the winner’s circle on Tuesday as the owner of Just Working, which prevailed in the Dowling McCarthy Tyres Grade 2 (452 metres).
By Run The Risk, he atoned for previous placings by running on strongly in the concluding stages and scoring by two metres in the time of 26.21.
“Lynne purchased him from Sydney several months ago and he won for her on debut in Hobart, but has struggled since,” Pursell explained.
“Now that he has broken through again we are keeping our fingers crossed that he will go on with it.”
Meanwhile Mount Direction trainer Donna Goodluck upset a confident plunge on Penny’s Angel by winning the Where Better Bettors Bet Invitation (452 metres) at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting with Millie Grace.
A recent addition to the Shane Whitney kennel, Penny’s Angel looked all over a winner on straightening, but was run down by Millie Grace in the shadows of the post.
The daughter of Paddy’s Flame recorded a time of 26.00 in winning the event by a whisker and paying the good dividend of $9.60.
She has now won 12 of 44 lifetime outings and stakes of in excess of $25,000 for connections Karleen Cuthbertson and Sallyanne Wilson.
Next month will see the NWGRC conduct the Reg and Aileen Ivory Memorial Classic Series (452 metres), to be concluded on March 12 with a final carrying stake money of $4,000 to the winner.
Xylia Allen In Track Record Launceston Cup Victory
Greyhound Racing enthusiasts were treated to a wonderful display of sustained speed at the Tote Racing Centre last night when the outstanding bitch Xylia Allen recorded a sensational 29.09 in winning the $57,000 Group 2 A Total Car Rentals Launceston Cup (515 metres).
The winning time eclipsed the previous track record of 29.35 established by the bitch when she won her heat of the prestigious event last week.
A market wobbler out to $4.30, Xylia Allen chased hot on the heels of her kennel mate Fully Advanced, before assuming control on the home turn and streaking away from her rivals to score by seven lengths.
Fully Advanced hung on nicely to secure second prize money with Schroder Bale a further length away in third spot.
All three place getters and in fact the fourth place getter Imry Bale as well, are prepared by legendary Victorian mentor Graeme Bate.
It is believed that it is the first time that a trainer has prepared the first four home in a Group race conducted in Australia.
Bate has now won three Launceston Cups, having previously been successful in 2006 with Wongawillicath and last year with Radley Bale.
He revealed after Xylia Allen’s heat win that he considered her an “awesome greyhound”.
“She is one of the fastest I have ever trained and that is a big statement,” he said.
“However she is very big for a bitch at 31 kilograms, so she takes time to get going and invariably needs a bit of luck getting a run.”
The Launceston Cup consolation was won in good fashion by the Debbie Cannan prepared Parisette, which recorded 29.82 in defeating Cointreau Cap and Tadmore Dunoon while paying a dividend of $3.20.
Meanwhile the local champ Rewind, which was once again unlucky in finishing fourth behind Parisette, has been named the Tasmanian Greyhound of the Year.
Owned and prepared by Maurie Strickland at Bracknell, the son of Collide won 22 races and was placed ten times while competing in 36 races both in Tasmania and New South Wales.
The champ has run second in the Hobart Thousand, Tasmania’s only Group 1 event, for the past two years and can boast lifetime earnings of in excess of $209,000.
Exeter based trainer Anthony Bullock, was Tasmania’s leading trainer for the year, his kennel having been represented by 108 winners and 422 placegetters.
The leading sire was the Tony Lockett owned Where’s Pedro, whose progeny were successful on 150 occasions.
The leading matron was the Leigh Alexander owned It’s A She, a daughter of Bond, whose progeny won 80 races.
Bate’s Launceston Cup Bonanza
Champion trainer Graeme Bate has qualified five of his kennel for the $57,000 A Total Car Rentals Launceston Cup (515 metres) to be conducted at the Tote Racing Centre on Monday night.
Members of his team contested seven of last night’s heats, with only Joshua and Irma Bale failing to progress to the rich final.
The trainer will be represented by Xylia Allen, Schroder Bale, Fully Advanced, Xenos Bale and Imry Bale and fellow interstate trainer Peter Hunt has qualified Pop’s Max.
Continue reading Bate’s Launceston Cup Bonanza
Irma Bale And Rewind Head Launceston Cup Nominations
Outstanding chasers Irma Bale and Rewind head nominations for the rich A Total Car Rentals Launceston Cup Series (515 metres) which commences at the Tote Racing Centre on Monday night.
Eight heats of the prestigious event will be conducted, with the winners progressing to the final the following Monday night.
A National Group 2 event, the Launceston Cup carries prize money of $40,000 to the winner, $9,600 to the second place getter, $4,500 to the third place getter, $1,000 to the fourth place getter and then $500 to all unplaced runners.
Continue reading Irma Bale And Rewind Head Launceston Cup Nominations
Deverell Quietly Confident Of Maiden Thousand Success
Master trainer Butch Deverell is quietly confident that Nooee’s Lad (Knocka Norris – Break Of Dawn) can win Thursday night’s $10,000 Tattsbet Maiden Thousand Final (461 metres) to be conducted at Tattersalls Park in Hobart.
The chaser was the fastest qualifier for the rich event when he scorched to a 26.18 four length victory in his semi-final last Thursday night and then drew the coveted red box in this week’s finale.
“In a race such as this it is hard to be confident of success, but I think Nooee’s Lad will give plenty of cheek, particularly now that he has drawn the red box,” Deverell explained on Monday.
Continue reading Deverell Quietly Confident Of Maiden Thousand Success
Rewind Fails But Gallant In Defeat
Local champ Rewind ($2.30) failed in his bid to create Devonport Cup history on Tuesday, however he was gallant in defeat and took many lengths off the eventual winner Allen Benji ($3.70) in the run home.
While the Graeme Bate prepared Allen Benji found the premier position mid-race after a brilliant beginning from the green box, Rewind encountered a traffic jam, but then powered home to run second, beaten seven lengths in the time of 25.60.
Outsider Shanlyn Peanut ($55), an occupant of Graeme Moate’s Moonah kennel, also ran home strongly to finish in third placing.
Continue reading Rewind Fails But Gallant In Defeat
Rewind Poised To Create Devonport Cup History
Local champ Rewind qualified for another tilt at the $37,000 Dowling and McCarthy Devonport Cup (452 metres) with a sensational heat victory at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting.
The Maurie Strickland prepared chaser flew the lids and then proceeded to give his rivals a galloping lesson, eventually scoring by 14 lengths in the time of 25.52.
The son of Collide has drawn the black box in next Tuesday’s rich final and is poised to become the first chaser in the 60-year history of the race to win in consecutive years.
Continue reading Rewind Poised To Create Devonport Cup History
Local Champ Has To Be Content With Second Placing Again
All Tassie cheered Rewind on in Thursday night’s Hobart Thousand Final, however it was to no avail.
For the second year running the local champ was relegated to second placing behind an interstate invader, this time the Michelle Mallia – Magri prepared Blackalls Boss.
Turning for home Rewind looked a great winning chance, however Blackalls Boss ran on strongly and was able to clinch the major portion of the prize in brilliant fashion.
Continue reading Local Champ Has To Be Content With Second Placing Again
The Definitive Preview – 2012 Tattsbet Hobart Thousand Final
WHERE/WHEN:
Thursday 20th December, Hobart GRC, Race 8 9.49pm AEDST
THE STORY SO FAR:
No Dailly, No Bate, No Thompson. The 2012 version of the time-honoured Hobart Thousand is one for the smaller-size kennels, despite the Wheeler team having had at least one runner in every heat. Local chaser Rewind went within a nose of victory last year and is the only return finalist looking for revenge. The final comprises of four chasers with twenty starts or less and the other four with over fifty starts each, with two locals and six Victorians.
THE FINAL CONTENDERS:
1) Under Threat (Darren McDonald)
10 strts 5-4-1. Heat Time 26.21.
Got a lovely path early in the race last week to cross from box seven, before surviving a late challenge by Veyron Bale in the straight. Comes into box one now, and will need to be gutsy and show experience beyond his ten starts to bury up along the rail if it wants to lead again. McDonald is a big time trainer, and will have the dog ready to go by show time.
2) Burnt Fuse (Brendan Pursell)
64 Strts 27-13-5 Heat Time 26.30.
Has been a prolific winner on the Victorian provincial circuit for a long time and amazingly never had a metropolitan start before this series. Makes the race very interesting as the runners either side will want to muster through and will also force Rewind to run around him to find the lead. Not sure he has the sheer ability to hold this field out, but may be a blowout chance if the wider runners crumple up.
3) Walk Hard (Nicole Mcrae)
17strts 6-6-1 Heat Time 25.81.
Began fairly at boxrise last week before bursting through from box one to win without threat. Ran .10 outside the track record and was the only chaser to break 26 seconds. Will need to improve his first step for the final, as there are plenty of good box dogs in this field, but clearly has the ability to win this event. Looks the likely favourite for the event, but the conditions of this race may be different to what he has seen previously.
4) Rewind (Morris Strickland)
77strts 48-14-6 Heat Time 26.22.
If ever a greyhound deserved to win the Hobart Thousand it would be this fellow. Has easily been the best Tassie chaser in the last year and comes into the event having won ten straight. Lost the final in a thriller to Dyna Tron last year and his stalwart trainer deserves another chance. Admittedly, he might be 3-4 lengths off what he once was based on recent times, but the draw won’t worry him and is beginning as well as ever.
5) Custodian (Steven O’Brien)
55strts 12-12-5 Heat Time 26.41.
Ran the race of his life last week to win at 40/1 when all the breaks went his way. Connections should be thrilled to have made it this far, but that’s where the positives will end. Was the slowest heat winner by 3 lengths, draw is horrible and not usually a great beginner. Will need all that luck and more for a top half finish.
6) Dark Warrior (Ted Medhurst)
7strts 7-0-0 Heat Time 26.29.
Undefeated local greyhound that made the most of box one to score over Proven Maddy by a length. Trainer knows what it takes to win this event, but would need to keep improving to ensure it ran a low enough time to win this Group One. Is a reliable beginner and will make a pest of himself early in the race.
7) Maverick Tiger (Kel Greenough)
20strts 11-4-0 Heat Time 26.16.
This son of Big Daddy Cool is starting to make a name for himself, coming off a win in the Group 2 Ballarat Cup and good form throughout the Melbourne Cup series at Sandown. Had a great battle with Nitro Cee in the heat, eventually being too classy in good time. Normally an excellent breaker, he is bound to improve again this week, and with a clear run early will be very hard to beat.
8) Blackalls Boss (Michelle Mallia-Magri)
56strts 26-10-4 Heat Time 26.25.
Got a soft run into the final when dispatching a field of five in similar time to those beforehand. Gets a good draw here, and will be given every chance to use his pace and run to the front. Loves one-turn tracks and has shown he is up to this company. Must be included amongst the top chances, and not many will begrudge the dog or Michelle a victory at the highest level.
WHAT IT ALL MEANS:
Similar to the National Sprint that was held over this distance, the charge to the first turn looks fascinating. Burnt Fuse, Rewind, Dark Warrior, Maverick Tiger and Blackalls Boss are all genuine speedsters while Walk Hard and Under Threat will be trying to muster up. Advantage must be given to the wider boxes, however trying to cross Rewind will be a hard task as he traditionally stays in the middle of the course.
Maverick Tiger looks the in-form chaser and capable of running a time fast enough to claim the prize, while Walk Hard holds the X-factor from the McRae camp. The long Elwick straight usually provides the stage for entertaining feature racing and this is expected to be no different.
THE PREDICTION: 1) Maverick Tiger 2) Rewind 3) Blackalls Boss 4) Walk Hard.
Rewind Draws The Blue Box Again In Hobart Thousand Final
Tassie champ Rewind, which was impressive in winning his heat of the time honoured Hobart Thousand (461 metres) from the blue box, has drawn the box again in Thursday night’s $75,000 to the winner finale.
The Bracknell owned and prepared son of Collide recorded a time of 26.22 in comfortably winning his heat, but will have to be at his very best if he is to prevail in Thursday night’s star-studded final.
Last year the Maurie Strickland prepared chaser finished a luckless second to the Victorian chaser Dyna Tron in Tasmania’s premier Greyhound Racing event and he will carry the hopes of all Tasmanians, in what will almost certainly be his last chance at Hobart Thousand glory.
Continue reading Rewind Draws The Blue Box Again In Hobart Thousand Final
Rewind Ready To Run Race Of His Life
Tassie champ Rewind (Collide – Ricky’s Angel) is cherry ripe for his assault on the prestigious $100,000 Hobart Thousand Final (461 metres) to be conducted at Tattersalls Park.
Eight heats of the time-honoured event will be run at tomorrow nights HGRC meeting, with the winners progressing to the rich final a week later.
A total of 34 interstate nominations have been received for the event, but all eyes will focus on Rewind, who will be attempting to avenge his luckless defeat last year by the outstanding chaser Dyna Tron.
Continue reading Rewind Ready To Run Race Of His Life
David Polley’s First Double
Fledgling trainer David Polley prepared his first double at the Tote Racing Centre on Monday night when the litter brothers Jack O’Riley and Hello Knocka greeted the judge.
The Derwent Park based mentor has been involved in the sport for just two and a half years, but is already making inroads and despite only being able to accommodate a team of two chasers due to work commitments, has enjoyed his share of success.
Purchased from prolific breeder Barry Heawood and by Knocka Norris from the Exceptional bitch Regent Ebony which won 12 races, Jack O’Riley and Hello Knocka have now won five races between them and are proving to be a worthwhile investment.
Continue reading David Polley’s First Double
Rewind’s Tasmanian Gold Cup Now The Hobart Thousand
The champ Rewind made it nine wins in succession at the HGRC meeting last night when he blitzed his opposition in the $7,500 Betfair Tasmanian Gold Cup Final (461 metres).
The Maurie Strickland owned and prepared chaser missed the kick slightly from the green box, but then assumed control on the home turn and ran away from his rivals in the lane, eventually winning by four lengths in a best of the night time of 26.11.
He returned a win dividend of $1.40 and has started “in the red” at his last 13 appearances.
Continue reading Rewind’s Tasmanian Gold Cup Now The Hobart Thousand
Launceston Gold Collar Final Looks Open
A select field of chasers will contest the $7,500 Simons Carpet One Gold Collar Final (515 metres) to be conducted at Monday night’s LGRC meeting at the Tote Racing Centre.
Two heats were contested on Monday night of this week, with the first four home graduating to the final, which appears to be an open affair.
The surprise of the night occurred when the classy bitch She’s All Class (Dyna Lachlan – It’s A She) failed to make the final after missing the start and then running into bother in transit, a repeat of her performance in the Betfair Breeders Classic Final the previous week.
Continue reading Launceston Gold Collar Final Looks Open
“The Only Certainty In Racing Is Uncertainty” – Gary Sutton
“The only certainty in racing is the uncertainty”, said NWGRC Chairman Gary Sutton when he presented the connections of smart chaser Cruising Bond with the Betfair Breeders Classic Final trophy on Tuesday afternoon.
He was no doubt referring to the raging hot favourite for the event, the previously unbeaten She’s All Class, which missed the start for the first time and then ran into bother in transit, before finishing a distant last.
This paved the way for the Gary Johnson prepared Cruising Bond, the logical second pick, to win the prestigious event, but not before receiving stern opposition from the place getters Technology and Frytson.
The bitch prevailed in a spine tingling finish, recording a slick 25.93 for the 452 metre journey and paying what was a remarkable dividend of $9 for the win.
Raced by veteran Hobart owner Basil Brimfield, Cruising Bond has now won five of 13 lifetime outings including her last four in succession and appears likely to make a name for herself in the future.
Bridgewater trainer Kevin Cocks applied the early polish to Cruising Bond but then elected to send her North to the Johnson complex, within striking distance of the Devonport Raceway.
“Gary will keep her until she contests the Gold Collar in Launceston and then she will be returning to me,” Cocks explained.
Cocks, a veteran of forty years in the sport, prepared Royal Overture to win the Gold Collar several years ago and ran second with Our Jana in the Breeders Classic Final.
He has been involved with owner Brimfield, a former Public Service Arbitrator, for many years, the pair having enjoyed their fair share of success.
They purchased Cruising Bond’s dam Cruisin’ Mcqueen, a daughter of Collision and the winner of ten races, and bred her to Bond, but only Cruising Bond remains from that mating and the bitch is now deceased.
Basil Brimfield, now 85-years of age, has been involved with both greyhound and horse racing for his entire life and has derived a great deal of pleasure from them.
Unfortunately his memory is fading and he cannot recall the names of many of his greyhounds or horses, however Cliff Roamer, the winner of the 1973 Arthur Morgan Stakes and a TCA track record holder, is one that immediately comes to mind.
“I believe that Cruising Bond is one of the quickest beginners that I have had the pleasure of racing – only Cliff Roamer could compete with her in that regard,” he explained.
“I have won many races in my day, but never a Hobart Thousand and I am hoping that one day she may provide me with that pleasure.”
Meanwhile Devonport Raceway track specialist Rewind continued on his winning way at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting by winning the Devonport Show Cup (452 metres) in brilliant fashion.
The Maurie Strickland owned and prepared chaser defeated Ready To Rock and Pendle Beri by three lengths, recording a time of 25.91 and paying a win dividend of $1.40.
The son of Collide has now won 45 of 73 lifetime outings while taking stakes of in excess of $175,000, 15 of those victories including the 2012 Devonport Cup having been achieved at Tuesday’s venue.
She’s All Class Looks Breeders Classic Final Special
Outstanding young chaser She’s All Class looks likely to continue on her winning way in the $9,000 Betfair Tasmanian Breeders Classic Final (452 metres) to be conducted at the Devonport Raceway on Tuesday afternoon.
The David Crosswell prepared bitch, by Dyna Laclan from the grand producer It’s A She, recorded a sizzling 25.69 in winning her semi-final by seven lengths and has drawn the coveted red box in the rich finale.
Sixteen heats of the Breeders Classic Final were conducted on Saturday October 27, with the first and second place getters progressing to the semi-finals on Wednesday evening.
Continue reading She’s All Class Looks Breeders Classic Final Special
Allford Cleans Up At Tote Racing Centre
Railton’s Gerard “Bear” Allford achieved the best result of his career on Monday night at the Tote Racing Centre when he quinellaed the $10,000 to the winner Minister’s Gift Final (515 metres) with the litter brothers Bearville Phil and Bearville Boy.
A former top country footballer, Allford bred and races the Give Me Five – Von’s Angel chasers in partnership with Steve Bird, a former Tasmanian now based in Queensland.
Mangalore mentor Mick Stringer prepares Bearville Phil, but Allford himself is responsible for Bearville Boy from his Railton base.
Continue reading Allford Cleans Up At Tote Racing Centre
