The Sprinters Are Ready To Sizzle
The Addington Raceway will be no place for the faint-hearted on Friday afternoon where the short course speed merchants will engage their paws in an incredible 12 heats over the 295m dash for the $35,000 The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint. It looks like a first two placing will be required to advance subject to the uptake from the connections of the eight sprinters who are exempted from the heat rounds. They’ll join the series during next Wednesday’s set of four semifinals.
Pictured: Last year’s Galaxy Sprint winner Sir Duggie who is returning to defend his title
Here’s look at those heat contenders, along with their respective TAB Futures & Top 3 quotes.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 1 – race 1
1 Ohana Lad $126 & $31: He’s having his first 295m sprint here. Has shown early pace and he has won three of his four races from this trap.
2 Neelix $151 & $34: He gamely chased after the pacemaker for his C4 295m second last week. He must at least match his 17.29s best 295m time.
3 Chasing Fame $61 & $16: Found himself contained in the midfield pack in his last Forbury Park C5 310m dash. Better drawn wider, although he does have sound trap 3 form.
4 Taieri Terra $201 & $41: He has been contesting recent C4 295m sprints. He’s facing a tougher task in this sprint.
5 Princely Gold $201 & $41: He’s a vastly experienced sprinter who cops a rough draw here. He dropped back to C3 after his last start Ascot Park C4/5 390m miss.
6 Dahteste $51 & $13: She controlled the pace throughout when she delivered her easy 17.57s C5 295m win last Thursday. Can feature by using that tactic in this dash.
7 Goldstar Major $81 & $21: He didn’t pick the jump from trap 5 in his latest C5 295m sprints here. He has compiled tidy trap 7 form.
8 Big Time Billie $41 & $11: She warmed up for her track debut outing here by delivering a solid 17.65s Hatrick 305m C4/5 win last Friday. Her draw can assist her here.
Reserves – 9 Cawbourne Cruz $251 & $51: He downgraded back to C2 when he missed during his 295m dash here last Thursday.
10 Fiery Jen $251 & $51: She was shuffled back to the rear group when going into the turn during her C2 downgrade sprint here three weeks ago.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 2 – race 2
1 Bender Truth $51 & $13: Resuming here after controlling the pace throughout for his tidy September 12 17.20s 295m win. Has claims here by repeating the same tactic.
2 Rocket Raccoon $41 & $11: He has been parked up since his May 16 295m miss. Expect a bold, competitive fresh up sprint from this owner of a best 17.01s 295m dash.
3 Thrilling Watch $126 & $31: He’s having his first 295m sprint here after his recent C4/5 545m and 520m misses. He won the only two previous sprints he has contested.
4 Opawa Lacy $51 & $13: She downgraded back to C4 following her last start impeded 295m sprint here. She is capable as seen by her 17.04s best 295m time.
5 Ring Clown $201 & $41: He wasn’t able to cross from his trap 8 draw in his Thursday C3/4 295m sprint. He cops a rough draw here.
6 Enchantee $201 & $41: She was denied racing room going into the first turn in her Thursday C3 295m sprint. Facing a tougher task in this dash.
7 Cheese And Chalk $41 & $11: He has the ability to ping away from the traps as was seen when he delivered his recent $8,500 NZRS Sprint 318m win at Manukau.
8 Captain Kev $51 & $13: Northern sprinter who has quickly charged up the grades via his series of tidy 375m and 318m sprints. His draw is likely to assist his claims.
9 Fiery Jen $251 & $51: She was shuffled back to the rear group when going into the turn during her C2 downgrade sprint here three weeks ago.
10 Doomsday $251 & $51: He’s a C2 graded sprinter who obviously is giving a slice of class to other sprinters here.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 3 – race 3
1 Colbert $126 & $31: He suffered from a traffic impeded 295m sprint last week. His improved draw can aid his claims here.
2 Wildebeest $151 & $34: He downgraded back to C4 after his Thursday 295m miss when he became tangled up with another runner.
3 Goldstar Trooper $16 & $4.75: He’s a proven competitive 295m sprinter at this venue. His 17.10s C5 295m win two ago, plus his 17.01s best 295m win confirms that.
4 Platinum Marshal $81 & $21: He was a Galaxy finalist last year and he’s capable of returning for this edition. He’s generally sighted doing his best work at the business end.
5 Lisa's Boy $201 & $41: He regained his open class sprinting stripes when he delivered his pace making C3/4 17.54s 295m win last Thursday. He must use those same tactics here.
6 Reign Of Fire $201 & $41: He tried real gamely when he missed snatching his C3/4 Tuesday Forbury Park 310m win by a nose. Tougher task here.
7 Smash Damage $251 & $51: She’s resuming from a six week freshen up for this dash. Her lack of wins from the wider traps is the worry for her here.
8 Jinja Mongo $61 & $16: He won a Manukau 318m C4 dash from this trap in 18.53s two races ago. He’s returning to his former home track for this event.
9 Cawbourne Cruz $251 & $51: He downgraded back to C2 when he missed during his 295m dash here last Thursday.
10 Fiery Jen $251 & $51: She was shuffled back to the rear group when going into the turn during her C2 downgrade sprint here three weeks ago.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint heat contenders includes (from left): Dahteste (heat 1); Bender Truth (heat 2); Goldstar Trooper (heat 3) – pics Dave Robbie
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 4 – race 4
1 Kiwi Boy $61 & $16: Proven northerner who has qualifying claims providing he jumps straight onto the pace here. He does tend to race out wider.
2 Hear This $126 & $31: She gamely chased after a promising sprinter when delivering her 4.75 length Thursday C5 295m second. Her inside trap form is solid.
3 Jax Jewel $251 & $51: She pressed on late for her 4.25 length Thursday 295m second, however that was at C3 level. Tougher assignment in this dash.
4 Bigtime Lizzy $81 & $21: She set up the pace, then she was cut back at the business in her Monday Manawatu 410m dash. She must use the same pace making tactics from trap rise.
5 Feral Kaiaka $251 & $51: C4 assessed sprinter who hasn’t been picking the jump in his latest 295m sprints here. He has no favours with this draw.
6 Pita Ramos $31 & $8.50: She was denied early racing room and she never recovered afterwards 295m Thursday. Go with her prior C5 17.38s 295m win here.
7 Chitina Tin $61 & $16: He finished a bold third in last year’s Galaxy Sprint final. He’s back in form as seen by his pace making 17.54s Thursday 295m C3 win.
8 Amuri George $251 & $51: He’s a C3 assessed sprinter who has no option but to take a real flyer from out here at trap rise.
9 Doomsday $251 & $51: He’s a C2 graded sprinter who obviously is giving a slice of class to other sprinters here.
10 Fiery Jen $251 & $51: She was shuffled back to the rear group when going into the turn during her C2 downgrade sprint here three weeks ago.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 5 – race 5
1 Fleur Dior $41 & $11: She has been delivering competitive recent 295m sprints and she has drawn to do likewise in this dash.
2 Buddy Boom $14 & $4.20: Talented northern sprinter who has had his recent issues. He was massive when he delivered his track debut 295m third back here in July.
3 Come A Guster $126 & $31: He was downgraded back to C2 after his traffic impeded C3/4 Tuesday Forbury Park 305m miss.
4 Idol Hot $151 & $34: She contested Group race sprint series last season and a competitive sprint from her here certainly wouldn’t surprise.
5 Goldstar Dodge $151 & $34: He was contained in the midfield pack during his last start Forbury Park 305m dash. He cops a rough draw here.
6 Fired Up Jed $151 & $34: He endured a luckless 295m sprint here a couple of weeks ago. He has to place himself straight onto the early pace here.
7 Nippa Martino $201 & $41: He regained his open class sprinting stripes when he gamely held on for his 18.95s Tuesday Forbury Park C3/4 win.
8 Bigtime Kiss $$41 & $11: She has the ability to contest the pace and she can make her presence felt from out if she adopts that tactic.
9 Cawbourne Cruz $251 & $51: He downgraded back to C2 when he missed during his 295m dash here last Thursday.
10 Doomsday $251 & $51: He’s a C2 graded sprinter who obviously is giving a slice of class to other sprinters here.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 6 – race 6
1 Culvie Ness $151 & $34: She struck some traffic problems during the early rush after jumping from this trap in her Thursday 295m sprint.
2 Ketchikan Kim $101 & $26: She jumped straight onto the pace from where she led throughout for her 17.52s Thursday C3/4 295m win.
3 Raptor Attack $251 & $51: He was never in contention after he jumped away from trap 8 for his Thursday downgrade C3/4 295m sprint.
4 Homebush Boots $101 & $26: He suffered from early traffic problems and he never recovered from that in his open class Thursday 295m sprint.
5 Sir Duggie $16 & $4.75: He won last year’s Galaxy final, however he has had his recent issues. He can advance after having a couple of Hatrick 305m resuming sprints.
6 Oskitz $201 & $41: He finished fourth in last year’s Galaxy final. He didn’t pick the jump in his latest Auckland C3 318m sprints.
7 Nangar Warrior $81 & $21: He produced a sound pair of recent C4 295m sprints here. He is capable of featuring from out here.
8 Golden Bay $151 & $34: This girl has been recently downgraded back to C3. In her favour here is her draw from where she has won both of her previous races from.
9 Doomsday $251 & $51: He’s a C2 graded sprinter who obviously is giving a slice of class to other sprinters here.
10 Fiery Jen $251 & $51: She was shuffled back to the rear group when going into the turn during her C2 downgrade sprint here three weeks ago.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint heat contenders include (from left): Pita Ramos (heat 4); Fleur Dior (heat 5); Ketchikan Kim (heat 6) – pics Dave Robbie
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 7 – race 7
1 Sozin's Empire $201 & $41: He’s a C3 assessed sprinter who secures her first career trap 1 draw here. He’s facing his toughest career test here.
2 Blitz 'Em Rene $101 & $26: Northern sprinter who has no option but to rediscover her known sharp early pace for track debut here.
3 Electric Dancer $61 & $16: She’s done a great job in quickly attaining her open class status via her bold northern region sprints. Consider her here.
4 Goldstar Jay Jay $201 & $41: She settled in the midfield pack in her latest C4 sprints. She must push forward onto the early pace here.
5 Lord Louie $81 & $21: He’s resuming from an extended spell here. He has matched it at the elite level, however he must break quickly from his poor draw here.
6 Inside Affair $101 & $26: She finished solidly for her neck C3/4 Thursday 295m second. She has cut out the 295m dash here in an okay 17.16s.
7 Smash Wild $61 & $16: She boldly chased after the pacemaker when she turned in her 4.25 length Thursday 295m C5 second. She must use similar tactics here.
8 Mohican Run $126 & $31: He tried to push forward from this trap in his Thursday 295m dash, but he didn’t clear inside traffic.
9 Fiery Jen $251 & $51: She was shuffled back to the rear group when going into the turn during her C2 downgrade sprint here three weeks ago.
10 Cawbourne Cruz $251 & $51: He downgraded back to C2 when he missed during his 295m dash here last Thursday.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 8 – race 8
1 Opawa Vinny $31 & $8.50: He’s a C4 graded chaser who has come up trumps with this trap from where he is proven from. Has advancement claims.
2 Bigtime Shine $51 & $13: Northern sprinter who has been competitive at C5 level. She must jump onto the pace for her track debut sprint here.
3 Man Of Letters $101 & $26: He jumped handy to the pace from trap 1 in his latest C4 295m sprints. He must do likewise in this dash.
4 Mitcham Reado $201 & $41: He finished boldly for his Tuesday C3/4 310m third when going under by a nose and a head. Must tougher assignment in this dash.
5 Chanyaka $81 & $21: She’s a C5 assessed sprinter who has been jumping onto the pace in her latest 305m sprints here. She can beat this poor draw.
6 Super Over Drama $16 & $4.75: He wasn’t able to secure a clear racing passage when making his open class debut last Friday. He has flown through the grades.
7 Treville $81 & $21: He pressed on during the run home for his 4.5 length Thursday 295m third. Jumping handier to the early pace would assist him.
8 Billy Frost $201 & $41: He’s a C4 graded sprinter who has no option but to ping straight onto the early pace from out here.
9 Cawbourne Cruz $251 & $51: He downgraded back to C2 when he missed during his 295m dash here last Thursday.
10 Doomsday $251 & $51: He’s a C2 graded sprinter who obviously is giving a slice of class to other sprinters here.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 9 – race 9
1 Starr Blueblood $126 & $31: C3 graded chaser who made a tardy start in his Tuesday 310m sprint. He finished second in his only previous race from this trap.
2 Select Trick $16 & $4.75: He’s making his NZ debut from a kennel who is renowned for preparing slick short course sprinters. He trialed over 295m here last week in 17.25s.
3 Hankenstein $81 & $21: He has been a consistent 295m sprinter around this circuit for a long time. He must match his best 17.19s 295m time here.
4 Black Rounder $126 & $31: She was forced wide and lost all claims during her C3/4 downgrade 295m Thursday sprint.
5 Big Time Flash $41 & $11: Manawatu sprinter who has done a great job in quickly attaining her open class sprinting status. She tends to mix her race starts.
6 Goldstar Halsey $201 & $41: She wasn’t able to get onto the early pace in her last start C4 295m dash here. She must do so here.
7 Fickle Mistress $101 & $26: She took control of the pace going into the turn to come away for her Thursday C3/4 295m win.
8 Hilton Hangover $61 & $16: She didn’t receive any racing luck in her last 295m dash here. She led a C4 295m field all the way for her prior 17.49s win.
9 Doomsday $251 & $51: He’s a C2 graded sprinter who obviously is giving a slice of class to other sprinters here.
10 Cawbourne Cruz $251 & $51: He downgraded back to C2 when he missed during his 295m dash here last Thursday.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint heat contenders includes (from left): Sozin’s Empire (heat 7); Super Over Drama (heat 8); Hilton Hanover (heat 9) – pics Dave Robbie
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 10 – race 10
1 Dizzy Banjo $151 & $34: He’s a C3 graded chaser who has drawn to feature here. He has won two of his four races when sighted wearing the red racing vest.
2 Fidgety Feet $101 & $26: He was denied early racing room when he became tangled up in traffic in his last start C4 295m sprint.
3 Platinum Paisley $41 & $11: She suffered from an impeded early racing passage during her Thursday C5 295m sprint. She has won here in 17.21s.
4 Black Tori $201 & $41: She’s a C4 graded sprinter who was sound when delivering her 1.75 length 295m second here two races ago.
5 Busy Rocca $81 & $21: She pushed forward onto the early pace and whacked away from there for her Thursday six length C5 295m third.
6 Nelso Allen $41 & $11: He endured a traffic impeded racing passage during his Thursday 295m dash here. He owns a sharp 16.89s best winning 295m time here.
7 Opawa Viking $81 & $21: He’s making his return to his former home track after his recent Cambridge 375m and 457m misses. He holds a best 17.11s 295m winning time.
8 Miss Claude $126 & $31: She travels south for her track debut outing after delivering competitive recent Manukau 318m sprints. Her draw here is a concern for her.
9 Fiery Jen $251 & $51: She was shuffled back to the rear group when going into the turn during her C2 downgrade sprint here three weeks ago.
10 Doomsday $251 & $51: He’s a C2 graded sprinter who obviously is giving a slice of class to other sprinters here.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 11 – race 11
1 Mustang Tully $10 & $3.20: She got tangled up in early traffic when she made her NZ debut outing last Thursday. She has won all five of her trap 1 races – that says respect her.
2 Forehand Raid $101 & $26: He found himself jammed up in traffic when going into the turn in his 295m dash here last week. He was a prior pace making 17.52s C3 295m winner.
3 Cosmic Jase $251 & $51: He was always in control of the pace when delivering his C2 17.54s 295m win last Friday. This is a tougher task here.
4 Hilton Forabet $81 & $21: She wasn’t able to clear early traffic in her latest C5 295m sprints here. She must go close to her best 17.16s winning 295m time here.
5 Bigtime Ziggy $81 & $21: She cops a rough draw for both her open class and track debut outing. She was a Manawatu C4 410m winner in 23.65s two races ago.
6 Tee An' Cee $151 & $34: He settled in the rear group and he stayed there in his last start Ascot Park C5 390m sprint. He placed in his only previous 295m sprint here.
7 Smash Over $151 & $34: She was held in midfield traffic after jumping from this trap when she stepped up to C4 295m sprinting last week.
8 Disobedience $201 & $41: She was denied racing room going into turn after jumping from trap 7 in her 295m sprint last Thursday. She led throughout for her prior C4 18.71s 310m win.
9 Doomsday $251 & $51: He’s a C2 graded sprinter who obviously is giving a slice of class to other sprinters here.
10 Cawbourne Cruz $251 & $51: He downgraded back to C2 when he missed during his 295m dash here last Thursday.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint, heat 12 – race 12
1 Versailles $16 & $4.75: He dictated the pace throughout when he delivered his easy 17.41s Thursday 295m C5 win. He has drawn to make his presence felt here.
2 Memoir $101 & $26: She didn’t pick the jump in her latest C5 295m sprints here. She has no option but to do so from trap rise here.
3 Shaw Lee $81 & $21: He’s a recently downgraded C5 sprinter who owns a tidy 17.10s best winning 295m time. He is also a Group 2 457m Ascot Park winner.
4 Country Gent $126 & $31: He settled back in the field and he remained there in his last start C5 295m sprint. He can’t use that tactic in this dash.
5 Jinja Ellie $126 & $31: She didn’t kick on during the run home in her last start Ascot Park C5 457m outing. She is a competitive 295m sprinter at this venue.
6 Goldstar Avalon $151 & $34: She was nicely placed to land her back to back recent C3 295m and 310m wins when racing on the pace. She must do the same here.
7 Homebush Sayer $251 & $51: He finished boldly for his Tuesday Forbury Park 1.5 length C3 second to Goldstar Avalon.
8 Bolty $4 & $1.75: Geez this guy has been absolutely flying. Six career races for six impressive wins. He has broken the 17s 295m barrier twice with the best coming in a smart 16.87s.
9 Fiery Jen $251 & $51: She was shuffled back to the rear group when going into the turn during her C2 downgrade sprint here three weeks ago.
10 Cawbourne Cruz $251 & $51: He downgraded back to C2 when he missed during his 295m dash here last Thursday.
The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint heat contenders include (from left): Nelso Allen (heat 10); Tee An’ Cee (heat 11); Versailles (heat 12) – pics Dave Robbie
By Peter Fenemor
