Reefton Treasure, a gift from leading owner-breeder Paul Wheeler to bush trainer Margaret Bannerman, will be set for next month's Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic after producing the run of the night to win at Wentworth Park on Saturday.
Reefton Treasure was disputing the lead at the first turn in a 520m fifth grade event when he was checked by a rival.
When that incident occurred Starburst Sam railed to the lead at the catching pen, and was still clear on the back straight.
But Reefton Treasure regained his balance, set off after the pacemakers, and was in front again approaching the home bend.
He then careered away to win by nearly a dozen lengths, stopping the clock at 29.96, which was the fastest time of the night.
After the race Bannerman revealed how she came to train Reefton Treasure.
"I won the Country Championship final with Pindari Bale, a bitch bred by Paul Wheeler, and the deal was that when she finished racing she went back to Paul's to have puppies," Bannerman said.
"Her first litter included a smart dog named Humphrey Bale, and when Pindari Bale had her second litter to Turanza Bale, Paul allowed me to select one for myself.
"I put the earbrand letters in a hat and pulled one out and that was Reefton Treasure."
Reefton Treasure will now contest the heats of the Peter Mosman Classic, a series for greyhounds whelped on or after December 1, 2013, which will be run at Wentworth Park on June 4.
Another greyhound set to target the Peter Mosman following an impressive win at Wentworth Park on Saturday night is Zambora Idol, who registered his second win in as many starts at the track.
Zambora Idol had to do it the hard way on Saturday, missing the jump from box five and coming from third in the middle stages to score in 30.29.
Zambora Idol is the first greyhound retired wharfie Tony Spiteri has trained after a 25 year break from the sport.
Just Like Rosie's former owner collected a $2200 windfall when the Tony Messina-trained greyhound won a 520m fourth and fifth grade in 30.17.
After being placed in three of six previous Wentworth Park outings, Just Like Rosie showed surprising early dash to lead at the first turn before holding on strongly for a comfortable win.
"The fellow who bought Just Like Rosie reared her until she was at breaking in age but then decided he could not afford to keep her," Messina said after the win.
"So he gave her to my wife Wilma and I and when he did we promised him that if she ever won a race at Wentworth Park we would send him 50 per cent of the prizemoney.
Lochinvar Amour almost threw away a victory in the 520m fourth and fifth grade on Saturday night when she attempted to rail underneath pacemaker Rubelly Magic at the end of the back straight.
Usually a wide runner, Lochinvar Amour switched to the rails when in a winning position just behind the pacemaker, and when she did she collided and lost ground. But after the check Lochinvar Amour switched back to the outside and came from third on the home turn to win running away.
"As she is getting older I think Lochinvar Amour is now learning to rail," her trainer Robert Smith said after the race.
"At this stage of her career she is probably better off being drawn in box three or four at Wenty than out in the eight."
See you next week!
