Couch Surfer triumphs in Cannington’s Christmas Gift final
In a week the connections of champion greyhound King Tommy would rather forget, they found comfort in the victory of Couch Surfer, in the 2023 Listed Christmas Gift final (715m) at Cannington on Saturday night, December 16.
Trained by the team of Chris Halse and Linda Britton, and owned by breeder Justin Warwick, Couch Surfer continued to showcase his skills in the $20,000 feature race.
He left his kennelmate West On Nugget behind by 2.25 lengths at the finish, crossing the line 41.91 seconds.
This victory brought a bright spot during a dark week for connections.
Rising West Australian (WA) star King Tommy suffered a fractured hock the previous week at Cannington, but connections remain hopeful he might return to racing.
Trainer Linda Britton said King Tommy had undergone surgery, and early prospects appeared bright.
But on Saturday night, thoughts of King Tommy's future were put to the side when Couch Surfer was able to find the lead early and lead almost all the way as the -142.86 race favourite in the $20,000 to-the-winner race.
Kennelmate West On Nugget was valiant in second placing and made several attempts to catch Couch Surfer in the run.
2023 Listed Christmas Gift – Couch Surfer (41.91) T: Linda Britton
Couch Surfer adds the 2023 Christmas Gift title to his 2023 Listed Mandurah Middle Distance Challenge victory over 647m.
The son of Fernando Bale and Deluxe Model has now had 47 starts for 24 wins and 14 placings.
The 31kg black dog made the finals of the 2022 Group 3 Young Star Classic, the 2023 Sandgroper, the 2023 Group 2 Lizrene at Sandown, and the 2023 Listed WA National Distance Championships state final.
Couch Surfer ran third in the 2023 Group 1 Galaxy at Cannington, second in the 2023 Group 3 Paradise Street Trophy over 600m at Cannington, and second in the 2023 Group 3 Canning Show Cup final at the same track and distance.
At Cannington over 715m Couch Surfer has started 23 times for 23 times for 13 wins and and five placings.
He is undefeated in his past eight starts over the track and trip.