Massey set to target Derby after dominant Ipswich Auction triumph

MAGICAL Yessam will head to this Thursday night for the heats of the 2 (520m) after his dominant win in the Group 2 Ipswich Auction series final (520m) over the weekend.

Starting from box six in the $40,000 to the winner feature on Saturday night, Magical Yessam was able to slip into second spot behind the early leader Royal Prize (box seven), before powering to the line in the home straight to score by four lengths in a slick 30.55.

Trainer Donald Massey said he was confident his greyhound would go well in the final, with the only problem being the box draw.

“He went really well,” Massey told Australian Racing Greyhound.

“The seven jumped out and moved to the right and ran a straight line to the first bend which gave [Magical Yessam] room to wind up.

“The seven was always going to lead but I thought the five was our biggest trouble because it is a fast beginner and if it had of kept him off the track early he wouldn't have been able to win.

“Once he beat the five out of the boxes I thought he was going to win the race.

“When we were running second down the back I knew the race was over because [Magical Yessam] is a very strong dog.”

Magical Yessam took his career statistics to 14 wins and nine minor placings from 32 starts following the win, with his prize money earnings now above $67,000.

Massey said he will now aim his charge at the heats of the Queensland Derby, with the final to be run on April 21 being worth $50,000 to the winner.

Magical Yessam, a son of and Kiewa Show, will be aiming to create history in the series, with no greyhound yet to win the Auction series – Queensland Derby double since the former was inaugurated in 1989.

“We will have a go at the Queensland Derby and then we will take him up for a crack at the [] Cup.

“He should be competitive in a series like the Derby, he is improving all the time.

“He is a very strong 500m dog now which is a big relief as I wasn't sure whether he would run it out early in the piece.”

With some big races mapped out in coming weeks, Massey was able to sit back and reflect on a thrilling night at Ipswich with the only greyhound he has in work.

“It was nice to win a good race, especially with a dog which you have bred, broken-in and done everything with yourself,” he said.

“It was a special night, we had the whole family there with all my grandkids.

“It was great.”

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