Space Star has dominated the staying ranks despite a tendency to come from midfield in his races so now he is jumping in front, how are they going to beat him?
That is the question keen judges were pondering after the Robert Britton-trained, Michael Ivers-owned and bred son of Bekim Bale and Tonto Tears led throughout for a nine lengths win in the Group 3 Wentworth Park Gold Cup on Saturday night.
Space Star (pictured) “pinged’’ the lids and led throughout in Saturday’s final to claim a fifth Group race, further underlining his reputation as arguably Australia's top current greyhound.
His time of 42.01 compared well with Dyna Willow’s race record of 41.74 and was a top effort considering the damp state of Saturday’s track.
After the race, Space Star's delighted breeder Michael Ivers sent out an ominous message to his greyhound's rivals.
“Space Star really wants to get to the lead and win," he said. "I think he has finally worked out it is easier to just jump in front."
Former bookie Jeff Holland, who shares in Tonto Tears’ litters with his good friend Ivers, said: “Space Star has always been able to show speed Because he trialled 29.60 for the 520m at Wenty when he was an unraced youngster.
“Tonto Tears has three puppies by Swift Fancy which are 11 months old and they will be off to the breakers soon.’’
Saturday night’s Evans & Son Jewellers Ladies Bracelet final is shaping up as among the most open on record.
Box draw, in order, is Elfen Bale, Uno Suzie, Spring Leaf, Dyna Nico, Queen Esther, Zipping Abby, Pearl Blonde and Star Torana with Rue De Kahn and Senorita Selena reserves.
Zipping Abby was slowest heat winner but produced a phenomenal effort to get up and win after being unsuited from box one.
After the race her trainer Ron Seymour was a contented man, although he admitted Zipping Abby was giving him plenty to think about.
“I’m much happier with box six in the final Because Zipping Abby wants an outside draw," he said.
“But her box manners continue to worry me. I have tried every trick I have learned in the past 60 years’ training to try and get her to begin better but I can’t get through to her.’’
Queen Esther was caught on the line by Elfen Bale in her heat but trainer Noelene Holloway believes she will strip fitter in the final.
“Because of all the rain I had not been able to do much with her," Holloway said. "Queen Esther just sat around at home all week.
“Box five should not be a problem Because she is a good beginner and runs straight from the boxes to the first turn.’’
La Grand Logie will be set for early June’s Group 1 Rapidvite Peter Mosman Classic after his all-the-way win in Saturday night’s third and fourth grade 400 Plateau Stakes.
La Grande Logie, the baby of the field at 25 months of age, easily accounted for Let It Develop and Group 1 winner Awesome Project in 29.97.
“It was great to win tonight Because it is my wife Carole’s birthday,’’ owner-trainer Jeff Eaton said later.
“I was a bit concerned when the rain came tumbling down during La Grand Logie’s race Because previously he has struggled a bit at the end of 520m on a heavy track.’’
Trainer Mark Gatt said before Saturday night’s final event that he expected Wentworth Park debutante More In Store to become a successful middle distance performer.
More In Store, bred to stay being a daughter of former top class long distance bitch Lady Arko, stormed home to win by nine lengths in a handy 30.15.
But it was her sensational run home figures of 11.72 which had the fans agog.
See you next week!
