Gunnadoo Cove timed her run to perfection to take out Monday’s Shakey Jakey @ Stud Stayers Stakes (700 metres) at Kennerson Park.
Trained and owned by Ben Howe of Cooks Gap, Gunnadoo Cove ($2.80) spent much of the race chasing Lexie Keeping but made her move at the right time to get the win.
Mrs. Spring ($9.50) saw off favourite Big Daddy Bee ($2.20) in the battle for second spot.
When the boxes opened the small field of six came out in a line before Lexie Keeping edged ahead, with widest starter Rema’s Amber in pursuit.
Rema’s Amber drifted back on the first turn, but Gunnadoo Cove worked her way forward along the rail to take second spot.
Gunadoo Cove had almost four lengths to make up on Lexie Keeping when venturing onto the back straight for the final time.
Lexie Keeping faded over the final 100 metres, but Gunnadoo Cove was nowhere near depleted.
Howe’s experienced bitch picked up a victory in her first-ever start at Bathurst, taking her career tally to 12 wins from 34 starts.
The winning time was 41.52 seconds.
“It’s always satisfying when they win like that. I thought she was unlucky not to lead. She got a bit hampered, pulled back to second then ran home late,” Howe said.
“If she pulls up okay she’ll go to Sydney for the Association Cup.
“Bathurst is a beautiful place. I’ve been here to trial plenty of times. They really look after the greyhounds and the facilities are great.”
