2014 Group Two Bendigo Cup Review
The 2014 Bendigo Cup Final was a field that contained some of the best horseshoe dogs of the modern era. It looked like a mouthwatering race on paper, and it didn't disappoint. With Paw Licking, Black Magic Opal and Ronan Izmir drawn the three inside boxes, the race had all the ingredients of a classic.
The three inside dogs were quick to begin, along with the local hope Matt's Entity from the outside.
ARG spoke with Kel Greenough before the race, who summed up the chances of Paw Licking perfectly he race up perfectly.
“Hopefully he takes advantage of the box. I think if he does hold them out from the draw he's going to be hard to beat. I think thats the key, coming out ok and holding out Black Magic Opal.”
It proved correct, with the son of Elite State – Kingsbrae Di booting through hard in his normal manner to hold them out to the first turn. His traditional opponent in Ronan Izmir was the quickest out of the boxes, but wasn't able to get over early, and in the process Black Magic Opal was checked.
Local hope Matt's Entity was forced to work hard to get over to the rails from box eight and was an enormous run to set out after the flying Paw Licking. He looked some hope part way up the straight, but he tired slightly and was picked up late by the flying Deadly Vane, who looks destined for a big campaign as he gets up in trip. Paw Licking ended up clocking a slick 23.70 in his cup victory, holding off Deadly Vane by 0.21 of a length.
Bruce Teague was correct again in his column, when in doubt in big races, bet on the red. It goes against the famous Wesley Snipes quote of “always bet on black”, but I'll stick with Bruce.
Paw Licking will line up Wednesday night from box six in heat one of the Warrnambool Cup. He will race another of Jason Thompson's speed brigade, with Whata Good Size jumping from box two. This sensational speedster will be hoping to add another trophy to his already outstanding list of accomplishments.
Listen to the following podcast with Jason Thompson, Jamie Ennis and Kel Greenough to find out what the plans are for the big guns from today's race, as well as Golden Easter Egg winner Tonk.