The DEAN Swain-trained Watch The Wasp took advantage of a good start to take out the Group 2 Bob Payne Spring Sprint (520m) at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
Starting from box two, Watch The Wasp jumped better than usual to be fourth at the first turn before rushing into second position leaving the back straight. But at that point Watch The Wasp was still several lengths behind tearaway leader Up Hill Jill, who seemed to be about to break through for her first NSW group victory in her fifth final.
However, Watch The Wasp virtually sprouted wings in the home straight to win the feature by just over a length from Up Hill Jill in 29.99, with favourite Mister Twister, who had been inconvenienced at the first turn, a distant third.
“I wasn't too popular at home when I drew box two for Watch The Wasp and box six for our other finalist, Techno, because he wanted them drawn the other way around,” Swain’s wife, Danielle, said after the race.
“But Watch The Wasp handled the inside draw well and although Robert Jones, his owner, is overseas at present, he will be over the moon to win a Group 2 race.”
The win was owner Robert Jones’ first at group level, and is remarkable given Watch The Wasp is the first venture into greyhound ownership for the well known thoroughbred owner.
For Up Hill Jill, it was the third time she has finished second in a group race at Wentworth Park.
David Geall, Up Hill Jill's trainer, was disappointed at how easily Watch The Wasp overhauled his greyhound.
“I was thinking of bringing her back to NSW for the up-coming Dapto Megastar but I'm having second thoughts, maybe all the travelling is taking its toll of Up Hill Jill.”
