Apache Aero Prevails In A Casino Greyhounds Thriller
An intriguing battle between Lady Proper and Apache Aero highlighted the second of the Blue Paws 484 metre maiden heats last Friday.
It was a “two dog war” after both greyhounds had scooted away from their rivals early in proceedings, and they settled down to fight the race out. Lady Proper held the “‘whip hand” early with a clear break, but as they went down the back, Apache Aero was narrowing the margin.
She took over at the top turn and held her advantage to the line to win by 1 1/4 lengths in a handy 27.73. The holidaying Donna Batesse owns the winner, who is trained by Shane Robinson.
The other heat was won by Sawadeeca, a recent aquisition to the Chris Supple kennel. Broken Hill visitor Carly Bale led them up and looked to have their measure, but Sawadeeca came with a late burst to grab the judge's verdict by the narrowest of margins. She ran 27.93.
Four heats of a 5th grade sprint were also run with the fastest qualifier being John Free's Perfect Phanton who ran a fast 22.96. He was in second place to the back where he took over. Both Jeff Smith's Andad's Boy and Rob Ensby's Tylah's Impact ran 23.01 in their respective heats, whilst Lucky Rose Hi rounded out the run offs with a 23.15 victory. With little separating the winners on time, this weeks final has a very open appearance.
Older half sister to Lucky Rose Hi, namely She Rose Hi gave Trevor Thompson a double when she won the Ranvet Free For All. One of the best to begin from box two, she was always in a prominent position before kicking away down the back. She raced away to win by 6 3/4 lengths, in again the very popular time of 23.01.
Veteran performer Oakland Spirit used his rails draw to perfection in winning the Richmond Valley Pet Supplies Distance stake. The rising four year old just kept to the fence, and when his rivals ran off the track with a lap to go, he was left in front with a winning break. This well performed greyhound, with thirteen wins to his credit, was not going to let this opportunity slip, and he raced away to score by 4 3/4 lengths in 35.53. Gary Clarke trains him in Kyogle.
Darryl Schafer's Fly By Trick made a one act affair of the other distance event winning by a mere 13 lengths. It was tight early, but when Fly By Trick cleared the pack, he raced right away. When the judge called a halt the son of Flying Penske / Cute Trick had stopped the clock at a fast 35.38.
Wannabe First gave Bruce Caden a welcome change of luck when he got to the front rounding the home bend before saluting by 1 1/4 lengths in 27.66, and Pitch Blue Chief continued on his winning way when he ran the best time over the 484 metres – 27.41. Danial Armfield has placed this greyhound to perfection since his return from Victoria, and he ran a personal best time in winning by 4 1/4 lengths.
The Club hosts the Casino Cougars Rugby League club this Friday, on what should be another interesting afternoon's racing.