Federal Remark sizzles on debut in Townsville Maiden 1000 heats
Federal Remark stepped out on debut to win his heat of the Townsville Maiden 1000 in top time on Tuesday night.
Bradley Belford's chaser lined up in the third and final heat of the 380m series as a -500 favourite with top online greyhound bookmakers.
Jumping out of box two, Federal Remark went straight to the lead and dictated terms for the entire journey.
He extended his margin around the bend and kicked on to beat kennelmate Gracie Matilda (+700) by close to 14 lengths, with Granville (+6000) finishing third.
Townsville Maiden 1000 Heat 3 – Federal Remark (21.90) – T: Brad Belford
The winning time of 21.90 was blistering, with neither of the other heat winners coming within two lengths of breaking 22 seconds.
Trainer Belford warned of the speed in this litter by Federal Morgan and Flo Jo Focus.
“He is just very good. He is going to be a very good dog,” he said.
Flo Jo Focus has produced some classy progeny – led by Kiwi star Federal Infrared, who has won 33 times in 51 career starts and is set to line up in the Group 1 Wanganui Cup Final on Friday.
Heading into the $7,700 Townsville Maiden 1000 Final on October 10, Belford issued a warning to the field.
“Any box on the inside will be perfect,” he said.
“Expect him to go even faster next week.”
Belford has five qualifiers in the decider, with Showtime Prissy saluting and Federal Mercedes third in heat two, Federal Duke finishing third in heat one, and Gracie Matilda runner-up to Federal Remark in the third heat.
Belford was happy with the performance of Showtime Prissy, who won in 22.18 as an +1000 chance with greyhound betting sites.
“She has only had a couple of trials, but she goes good,” he said.
“She is only a little bitch, but it's going to take a little longer for her to match it with the rest of them.
“She is not anywhere near Federal Remark, but in all honesty, last night one got on her back and she still only went four lengths slower than him.”