Set To Storm sets the time standard in Peter Mosman semis
UP Hill Jill has been installed as the favourite to win next weekend's Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic (520m) at Wentworth Park after scoring a dominant semi-final victory on Saturday night.
The Victorian bitch was quick to begin off box one in her semi, racing straight to the lead off the inside draw. Once out in front the daughter of Premier Fantasy and Where's Demonica never looked in danger, sprinting clear to defeat Chasin' Crackers (box two) by four and three quarter lengths in 29.89.
Trained by David Geall, Up Hill Jill has now won 19 of her 35 starts including the Group 2 Laurels Classic. The black speedster will start from box six in the $75,000 to the winner final, a draw from which she has won four of her six starts.
Time honours from the heats went to Set To Storm in the final qualifier. The Jodie Van Enkhuyzen-trained bitch exploded from the traps with a sizzling 5.41 first sectional – easily crossing from box seven to take up the lead.
Following the brindle bitch across from the outside was Corrupt Millions (box eight), but Set To Storm was too strong in the run to the line, kicking clear to record a five and three quarter length triumph in 29.63.
Also clocking scintillating time was Mister Twister (box one) in the second semi. Trained by leading conditioner Jason Mackay, Mister Twister came out under the lids and was two lengths in front of his rivals running past the post on the first occasion.
The son of Collision and Double Twist made every post a winner out in front, recording a fast 29.66 when defeating a gallant Yankee's Ethics (box three).
The remaining semi-final was an exciting affair, with Central Bark (box six) the best to begin when racing to the front in the early stages. Odds-on favourite Lucky Chap (box seven) recovered after a fair beginning to follow the leader across in the charge to the first turn, slipping into second spot.
Off the back and into the home straight it was still Central Bark showing the way, but Lucky Chap wasn't going down without a fight, gradually grinding back the margin. Right on the line Lucky Chap put his head down, which was enough to secure the win by a nose in 29.95.
The final of the Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic will be run next Saturday night.
Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic – box draw
1 – Chasin' Crackers $26
2 – Corrupt Millions $34
3 – Central Bark $21
4 – Lucky Chap $4
5 – Mister Twister $3.50 with Bet365
6 – Up Hill Jill $2.75
7 – Yankee's Ethics $26
8 – Set To Storm $4
Reserves
9 – Chase The Cash $15
10 – Rita's Boy $51