One For Me after further riches following Warrnambool Classic win
ONE For Me will be aimed towards the upcoming Group 1 Harrison Dawson (515m) at Sandown Park following his emphatic victory in Wednesday night's Group 2 Warrnambool Classic.
Jumping swiftly from box four, the son of Barcia Bale and My Secret Shiraz was never headed throughout the $75,000 to the winner event, cruising to the line 4.91 lengths clear of Cactus Jack in a slick 24.99.
Trainer Jeff Britton admitted he had some concerns going into the race from the awkward draw, with his doubts soon dispelled after his charge jumped straight to the front.
“I think he probably had the most ability in the race, but when he drew box four I was a bit concerned because I thought if he didn't come out of the boxes well something would cross him and he might find a bit of trouble,” Britton told Australian Racing Greyhound.
“In last year's race we had the $1.40 favourite but everything went wrong for him. Thankfully this year we had a change of luck and everything went right – he came out well and it all went to plan.”
One For Me took his career record to 10 wins and eight minor placings from 28 starts with Wednesday's victory, with the black dog now boasting $123,040 in prize money earnings.
Britton will now take One For Me back to Sandown Park, where he holds a 29.48 personal best, for the heats of the $100,000 to the winner Harrison-Dawson next Thursday night.
“The Harrison Dawson will be his next target – I am hoping that when he goes back there we will see a bit of improvement in his box manners.
“He is a very fast dog, he can be a little bit problematic at box rise, but once he hits the ground he can really run.”
It was a massive night at Warrnambool on Wednesday, with the other feature event, the Group 2 Warrnambool Cup, won in dominant fashion by the Anthony Azzopardi-trained Zambora Brockie.
The black dog jumped brilliantly from box six but was headed around the first turn, with the son of Nitro Burst and Flying Liddy producing a massive finish along the fence to reclaim the lead just before the post in 24.92.
Britton said the 2016 carnival was another successful night, with a large crowd on course to witness some spectacular greyhound racing.
“It is terrific money and the club do a great job at Warrnambool,” he said.
“The organisation which goes behind it all and the sponsorship of Macey's Bistro is all fantastic and the atmosphere of the town is great with the races which are on, there are nice big crowds and it is a really good night.”