Devine run continues for Empress in New Sensation heats
Devine Empress' undefeated run from box seven continued at Wentworth Park, comfortably winning the $6610 New Sensation Heat 2 by 3.5 lengths on Wednesday night.
After a bunched start, Kayla Cottrell's two-year-old and $2 favourite did well to hit the front after the first turn, going on to win in a time of 29.94 seconds.
It was the fastest New Sensation heat time of the night, and it took Devine Empress' record to four triumphs from four starts out of the number-seven lane.
“It was a super run. She had a little trouble early but she pushed through,” Cottrell told AustralianRacingGreyhound.com.
“She's never lost from box seven before. She can be tardy early where she has room to burn.
“She can also come out running early, but she's still young and still learning.”
The star 19-year-old trainer believes there is still plenty of upside to her developing runner, now with $31,535 in career prizemoney and an impressive 11 wins from 16 starts.
“We've known from early on that she's got ability. She just has to put it all together now in races,” said Cottrell, who became the youngest Victorian greyhound trainer to snare a Group 1 victory in the Rookie Rebel (600m) at The Meadows in February last year.
“She's still very young and immature, but I think she can put it all together.”
One of the bitch's career highlights was a stunning almost 12-length win in a TAB Grade 5 race worth $3030 over 515m, finishing in 29.23 seconds, in Sandown last December.
And if Devine Empress can continue her consistent performances, Cottrell will aim her for next year's Golden Easter Egg heats.
“This was a good age-restricted race for her. The Golden Easter Egg is on for her next year if she can make that,” she said.
“We don't really plan too far ahead, just go day-by-day and she'll let us know.”