Coca Cola SA Derby Heats On Wednesday
GRSA will run the Heats of the Coca-Cola Derby next Wednesday at Angle Park. At the close of nominations Friday, threw were 30 greyhounds entered, meaning that there will be four heats run on Wednesday.
Racing on Wednesday will start later than normal, with the first race commencing at 12.32pm and the final race is at 2.32pm. The Heats will be races 3 – 6 on the card.
The Semi-Finals of the Coca-Cola Derby will be run on Thursday 9th October. There will be two Semis, meaning that the first 4 in each heat will go through to the Semis. The fifth placed greyhounds will be the reserves for the Semis. The Group 3 $30,000 Coca Cola Derby Final will be run on Thursday 16th October.
As usual there is plenty of interstate flavour, with over half the noms coming from “over the border”. A number of leading trainers are represented, including Darren McDonald who has Cold Cold Change, which trialled at Angle Park last night. It recorded 29.85 for the 515m, with the sections of 4.58, 17.00 and 12.85. It has won 7 of its 11 starts.
Engin Gemci, who won the Derby in 2006, with Big Time Max is bringing a team of three across and Tina Womann is also bringing a contingent of 6 to Adelaide. Graeme Bate has two runners as has Kylie Hunt, including Horsham Group Two winner Kendale Bale.
South Australia will have strong representation in the series. The Shaun Matcott pair of Kallan Bale and Quinton Bale head the locals. Both look right up to the company on recent performances.
Uncle Remus for Raye Kelly is the recent Gawler Produce winner and is a strong finisher.
Perhaps the most interesting runner from SA is the Terry Cahalan trained, Aston Bond. It will be having its first official race start, though it has qualified at Strathalbyn in a respectable 31.47. Aston Bond is by Bond out of 2006 SA Greyhound of The Year Miss Spicy.