Paul Wheeler final box draw & odds: Blue Kermaro heavy favourite
The Group 1 Paul Wheeler Simply The Best series kicked off with four electrifying heats at Wentworth Park on Saturday, December 14. With high stakes and $100,000 awaiting the winner of the final next week.
Stars of the night included Blue Kermaro, who clocked the fastest heat time of 29.41 seconds, reaffirming his dominance after his $1 Million Dollar Chase triumph earlier this year.
Victorian-trained I’m A Mustang also turned heads, storming home in 29.52 seconds to claim heat three and double digit odds.
Meanwhile, Zipping Chaplin and Gets Late Early demonstrated their respective finishing prowess and early speed to secure their positions in the decider.
With a strong field confirmed for the final and the box draw complete, fans can expect a thrilling showdown on Saturday night.
Paul Wheeler Simply The Best Heat 1 Race Replay – Zipping Chaplin (29.52)
Zipping Chaplin emerged victorious in the opening heat of the Group 1 Paul Wheeler Simply The Best series at Wentworth Park, producing a brilliant late surge to secure his place in the final, paying $3.40 with Picklebet.
Trained by Courtney Barnes, Zipping Chaplin clocked 29.75 seconds, reeling in $2.50 bookmaker favourite Sammy Ethan in the home straight.
After breaking cleanly, Sammy Ethan dictated the early pace, posting a sharp 5.52-second first split and opening a two-length lead down the back straight. However, Zipping Chaplin, known for his strong finishing ability, closed the gap decisively in the final stages to score by 1.75 lengths, with Both Bowers Ace finishing third and Omega Travis fourth.
The win marked a special moment for Minnie Finn, who credited Zipping Chaplin’s stamina and resilience, noting, “He’s crying out for 600 metres but is handling the 500 well.”
With consistent form and a reputation as a strong closer, Zipping Chaplin has set a high bar for the heats and is poised to make a bold impact in next week’s Group 1 final.
Paul Wheeler Simply The Best Heat 2 Race Replay – Gets Late Early (29.60)
Gets Late Early demonstrated her sharp early speed and tenacity to claim victory in the second heat of the Group 1 Paul Wheeler Simply The Best series at Wentworth Park.
Trained by Melinda Finn, the $4.00 BlondeBet chance flew out of box seven, clocking a quick 5.35 seconds to the first split before leading throughout to post an impressive 29.60 seconds overall.
Despite a strong late surge from Boston Banner, Gets Late Early dug deep to hold on and secure the win by 1.25 lengths, while Sooty Keeping ran on well for third.
The performance marked Gets Late Early’s 9th Wentworth Park victory, and her trainer highlighted her love for competition, saying,
“She thrives under pressure and this race suits her perfectly.”
With her ability to set the pace early and maintain composure in tight finishes, Gets Late Early has positioned herself as a major threat in next week’s Group 1 final.
Boston Banner and Sooty Keeping also produced strong efforts and will be dangerous if they can secure cleaner runs in the final.
Paul Wheeler Simply The Best Heat 3 Race Replay – I’m A Mustang (29.52)
I’m A Mustang, trained by Victorian conditioner Matthew Lanigan, displayed exceptional strength in the closing stages to win the third heat of the Group 1 Paul Wheeler Simply The Best series at Wentworth Park as an $11 outsdier with Neds.
Breaking from box eight, I’m A Mustang settled mid-pack early, tracking the leaders through the first turn. As the field straightened into the back, You Never Lose gained the inside running to challenge the leader, History’s Coming, setting up a thrilling contest.
In the final stages, I’m A Mustang unleashed a powerful finishing burst, overhauling both runners to stop the clock at 29.52 seconds, with margins of 2.25 lengths to second and 3.5 lengths to third.
Runner-up You Never Lose was gallant in defeat, securing the inside rail and battling hard in the straight, while Midnight Spritz finished strongly for third.
The early leader, History’s Coming, faded to fourth after being pressured throughout the race.
A moment of concern occurred when Dalwhinnie, a pre-race contender, fell approaching the first turn but thankfully completed the race unscathed.
Post-race, Lanigan expressed satisfaction with I’m A Mustang’s performance, stating,
“She’s really come into her own. This series has been the plan, and she’s right on track for the final.”
Paul Wheeler Simply The Best Heat 4 Race Replay – Blue Kermaro (29.41)
Blue Camaro, the $1 Million Dollar Chase winner, reaffirmed his class with a dominant display in the fourth and final heat of the Group 1 Paul Wheeler Simply The Best series at Wentworth Park.
Trained by Joshua Formosa, the $1.75 PlayUp sprinter flew out of box six, posting a slick 5.38 seconds to the first split.
Although Paw Oswald loomed ominously on his outside down the back straight, Blue Camaro responded with determination, pulling away in the home stretch to win by two lengths in a brilliant 29.41 seconds—just outside his personal best.
Runner-up Paw Oswald, trained by Mark Delbridge, was brave in defeat after pressing Blue Camaro mid-race.
Kangaroo Jack secured third with a strong finish, while Make No Promise rounded out the first four.
Post-race, Formosa expressed pride in Blue Camaro’s performance, noting,
“He was fresh and sharp early, and while Paw Oswald challenged, his class shone through late.”
With his impeccable track record and form in elite races, Blue Camaro has positioned himself as the standout contender for next week’s Group 1 final.
Paul Wheeler Simly The Best Final Box Draw And Field
The all-important box draw has set the stage for a fascinating contest, with Blue Kermaro securing Box 2 and the deserved $1.90 betting favourite, followed by Paw Oswald in Box 1 at $4.50.
Here’s how the Paul Wheeler Simply The Best field lines up:
2024 Paul Wheeler Simply The Best Final Odds
2024 Paul Wheeler Simply The Best Final Box Draw & Field The Meadows 520m Group 1 $100,000 to-the-winner Saturday, December 21, 2024
|
|
 |
1 Paw Oswald
T: Mark DelbridgeF: 26862Career: 21: 7-4-4Prizemoney: $33,465
|
 |
2 Blue Kermaro
T: Joshua FormosaF: 12321Career: 30: 10-5-6Prizemoney: $1,104,030
|
 |
3 I’m A Mustang
T: Matthew LaniganF: 13552Career: 35: 9-12-3Prizemoney: $86,075
|
 |
4 Zipping Chaplin
T: Courtney BarnesF: 11331Career: 38: 17-4-7Prizemoney: $95,220
|
 |
5 Boston Banner
T: Barry GibbonsF: 23515Career: 46: 15-7-8Prizemoney: $89,430
|
 |
6 Sammy Ethan
T: Mark GattF: 24111Career: 45: 14-10-11Prizemoney: $97,710
|
 |
7 You Never Lose
|
 |
8 Gets Late Early
T: Melinda FinnF: 11461Career: 68: 25-13-8Prizemoney: $221,725
|
| Reserves | |
 |
9 Kangaroo Jack
T: Sydney SwanF: 37153Career: 71: 15-18-9Prizemoney: $108,720
|
 |
10 Sooty Keeping
|
.jpg){kind=logo}
