Thrilling Freddy gets deserved Group 2 victory
Thrilling Freddy delivered as the short-priced favourite in the 2022 Group 2 New Zealand Sires Produce Stakes Final. Photo credit: Auckland Greyhound Racing Club.
It was a thoroughly deserved family victory when the talented Thrilling Freddy cruised to his freewheeling win in the recent $20,000 New Zealand Sires Produce Stakes Final at Manukau Stadium.
Clevedon trainer Marie Prangley had Thrilling Freddy ticking over sweetly heading into the Group 2 527m event, with his solid form seeing him starting as the warm $1.60 favourite from the one-trap.
He seized control of the race from trap-rise, scampering into the early race lead which he was never going to hand up, despite racing mainly in the middle of the track.
Thrilling Freddy completed his 527m assignment in 30.54, holding a length margin over the strong-finishing Ashley Bradshaw-prepared Calculated Risk (Eminent Reality-Mischief Managed).
Making it an all Canterbury-trained minors mix was Opawa Conan (American Warrior-Opawa Jay Jay), who stuck on gamely for his third, a further 2.25 lengths astern for Bruce Dann.
“Initially I was worried Freddy would go wide, letting the South Island dogs come underneath him. He managed to stay in front around the first turn, although I was never confident going down the back as those South Islanders are strong dogs.
“I was rapt and proud in the way he kept up his strong gallop,” reflected Prangley about her first ever Group race victory.
“I was also rapt for Karen (Walsh) who sold me Thrilling Freddy. He caught my eye as a young dog and when he was on a list of dogs for sale that Karen sent out, I didn’t hesitate to buy him.
“I’m also pleased Freddy was able to win the race for his dad Thrilling Boris – he’s a sire that is very much underused. His progeny are versatile, having both speed and stickability,” explained Prangley, who races Thrilling Freddy with her daughters Hayley, Grace and Sophia – hence the Three Sisters syndicate name.
And Thrilling Freddy has displayed that versatility over recent times when coming back from a three-month spell to stylishly win his 318m heat and the final of the $15,000 Hifi Allegro Sprint feature on Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Collar Day.
“He’s a strong dog who always gives 100 percent in all of his races,” stated Prangley – and it is for that reason why she is considering a possible South Island excursion with him.
“Yes, I think he will suit racing at Addington, so I’m considering going down for the New Zealand Cup meeting,” she advised about the winner of 20 of his 39 raceday outings (nine minors) and $68,816 in stake earnings.
Marie Prangley was introduced to greyhound racing by daughter Hayley, after experiencing around 20 years mentoring thoroughbreds.
“I was a small-time horse trainer, mainly for family, and I had some success, with my best being Zippy Star (two-year-old) and Danny Day (miler). Hayley influenced me to take up greyhound training – she told me I had the potential,” chuckled Prangley.
The racing career of sire Thrilling Boris was hindered by injury. His conditioner Karen Walsh placed him astutely, which saw him winning 22 of his 35 race starts, amassing $90,260 in stake earnings.
Included amongst his victories was the 2016 Waterloo Cup (527m) and the 2017 Hatrick Classic (520m) at Group 1 level. He also annexed the 2016 Group 2 Waikato Classic (457m).
The son of Collision and Thrilling Angel was bred by owner Gary Harding, who stands him at stud, therefore he was awarded the bonus breeder’s stake for Thrilling Boris siring the race winner.
Canterbury visitor Miss Adobe prevailed in the Bright Star NZ Sires Sprint. Photo credit: Auckland Greyhound Racing Club.
In keeping with the New Zealand-based sires theme of the day, the Bright Star NZ Sires Sprint over 318m was another feature on the card. The $5,000 dash recognised the superstar sprinter, who Bob Bond prepared to win all of her 73 career wins over the Manukau 318m sprint.
Matt Roberts sent Miss Adobe north from his Canterbury base for this task. Box 5 held no issues for her, with the daughter of Cawbourne Brick and Zoya Bale pinging the lids to lead throughout for her easy 18.87 win.
The Auckland Greyhound Racing Club entered into the spirit of NZ Sires Day by naming support races after all eight of the Kiwi-based sires who had progeny racing in the two feature events.
And here’s a thought for future NZ Sires meetings: Visiting Canterbury trainer Jason Dunn suggested, “How about adding an enhanced stakes feature open class 527m race for the progeny of New Zealand based sires?”
Now that is certainly worthy of strong consideration!
By Peter Fenemor
