Don’t Knocka Him Has Three Lengths On 2012 Golden Easter Egg Final
In the four semi-finals of the World's Richest Greyhound Race it was runners starting from boxes one, two or eight which proved most prominent, with the Jason Thompson trained Don't Knocka Him winning in 29.57 from box 1 and setting the time standard for the 2012 Golden Easter Egg contenders.
Semi-final one went the way of Victorian Dyna Bert. Litter brother to series pre post favourite Dyna Tron, Dyna Bert capitalised on his semi-final box two start leading all the way, to win in 29.71 over El Caballo prepared by Doreen Drynan.
The second semi went to Desalle Bale for Brendan Wheeler, leading all the way from box 2 in 29.78 and topping an exciting week for The Oaks trainer. Desalle Bale is one of Wheeler's hot youngsters from the Go Wild Teddy x Princess Bale litter, which also includes Schnikey Bale and Barcia Bale.
Desalle Bale beat Time And Money prepared by Anthony Bragg by just a head. Time And Money continues the fairy tale for four friends which have taken on training the greyhound, once declared “no good”.
In a continuation of a good night for Western Australian runners, Hot Irish saluted in semi three, ahead of Wentworth Park favourite Fancy Dean. Currently under the care of NSW trainer Dave Righetti, Hot Irish swooped on the line to claim victory in 30.18 from Fancy Dean who had no peace in front with both Adam Meway and Hot Irish contesting the lead with Fancy Dean for the entire 520m journey.
The final run-off went the way of Don't Knocka Him for trainer Jason Thompson and owner Reg Kay, qualifying fastest for next week's final in 29.57, six lengths clear of Wez Da Risk. Don't Knocka Him is by Knocka Norris out of Surf Queen and comes in to the Golden Easter Egg final after a good second to Dyna Tron in his debut group racing final in the 2012 Group 2 Horsham Cup in early March.
At just 28 months of age, the 30kg blue brindle dog has now earned connections close to $40,000 from just 28 starts that have resulted in 13 wins and 12 placings. But more importantly, Don't Knocka Him has the chance in next week's 2012 Golden Easter Egg final,to give Jason Thompson and Reg Kay their first win in Sydney's premier greyhound race, despite years of both dominating group greyhound racing with their other kennel stars including Don't Knocka Him's sire Knocka Norris.
The qualifiers for the 2012 Macro meats Golden Easter Egg are as follows, with the box draw to be conducted Monday:
DESALLE BALE – Brendan Wheeler
DON'T KNOCKA HIM – Jason Thompson
DYNA BERT – Andrea Dailly
EL CABALLO – Doreen Drynan
FANCY DEAN – Walter Lutiger
HOT IRISH – Ben Abercrombie
TIME AND MONEY – Anthony Bragg
WEZ DA RISK – Pauline Moran
1ST Res – RITZA RYDER – MARK GATT
2ND Res – WANDY NEG – FRANK HARDMAN
The box draw for both the $250,000 to the winner Golden Easter Egg final will occur at a Media Launch at The Mint on Monday from 10.30am.