Cup Night Performers Excel in Follow up Races
New Zealand Cup night provided some incredible competitive racing and since then, there has been a plethora of superb runs from dogs who won, placed, and even unplaced. Tuesday at Manawatu Raceway Palmerston North saw the continuance of the phenomena that is Trojan Hoarse. Admittedly, the field was smaller and not at the class level of a Galaxy field he picked apart the week before. 410m is seemingly right at the top of his range nowadays, as Bigtime Brody made steady ground on Trojan Hoarse after his standard quick beginning and got within half a head in the end as he had to really dig deep for this victory.
Bronski Beat for Lisa Cole returned to Manawatu Raceway after mixed results during his time in Christchurch with a stunning track record victory over the 660m journey. The Manawatu track looked to suit his running style more comfortably than Addington and perhaps the drop in class of dogs may have helped furthermore. Either way, his 38.05s run not only surpassed the track record; he demolished it. Goldstar Truman for young trainer Riley Evans proved his second-place finish in the New Zealand Stayers Cup to Student Loan was no fluke. His 30.33s time back in distance and class was not a big surprise after such a strong showing the week earlier as he stalked leader Shermo Bale before powering away with a decisive victory.
After Rock On John’s impressive New Zealand Cup win, he was rewarded with a well-earned rest, however, it was business as usual for others. Craig Roberts trained He’s Ali continued his impressive New Zealand career with another dominant 30.08s victory from the outside draw. It is only early days but he is showing some huge potential that could see him play a big part in next years New Zealand Cup. Conversely, Leonard Bale had been down on his best form over his New Zealand Cup campaign, and it was really encouraging to see him return to his best after his 30.11s Class Five victory on Thursday afternoon. Leonard lead all of the way while Ozzie found trouble getting across from box eight, although it was also great to see Ozzie run to within a couple of lengths after his fall during the New Zealand Cup final.
Opawa Bailey for Robin Wales was granted the much-improved ace draw after a troubled run from box seven saw him finish at the back of the pack in the New Zealand Galaxy. There was no tardy beginning from Bailey on Thursday afternoon as he took off smartly and raced away in a time of 17.21s. Starburst George for Malcolm Grant was one of the best performers across the Galaxy series and it was very unfortunate for him to draw an unfavourable box eight for the final where he delivered a very gutsy fourth placing. On Thursday at Addington Raceway he received a far more suitable draw as he dealt to his rivals from box two in a time of 17.13s over the 295m.
Written by Shane Kendall
