French Martini the toast of Sydney Town after Group 1 Paws of Thunder heats

French Martini in fine form ahead of MDC final
Peter Lagogiane's star bitch French Martini pictured winning her Million Dollar Chase heat at in 2022.

Despite a poor turnout of just five heats for this year's Group 1 Paws Of Thunder series at ; quality certainly prevailed over quality with some sensational performances by some of Australia's most renowned chasers.

2022 victor French Martini made her presence felt in heat four from box two, with an all-the-way display in a best of the night performance in 29.45.

The Peter Lagogiane-trained chaser had plenty of clear air early with known right-stepper Mcinerney exiting from box three, saluting by five lengths at the finish over notable finisher Gatlin for John Finn. It was the daughter of and 's 13th career win from start 26.

French Martini's connections will be quietly confident of her chances in next Saturday evenings $75,000-to-the-winner final, after trainer Peter Lagioane picked the coveted red rug during the Paws Of Thunder final box draw process.

2023 Group 1 Paws Of Thunder Heat 3 – French Martini (29.45) T: Peter Lagogiane


The second fastest qualifier is the greyhound who's become known as the ‘Consolation King', Zipping Maserati.

The Martin Hallinan trained chaser overcame a difficult box six draw to follow speedy beginner Reflections from box three into the first turn.

The son of Zipping Garth and Zipping Lilly took control of proceedings entering the back straight and led throughout, scoring by 1.75 lengths in 29.59. It was his 26th career victory.

2023 Group 1 Paws Of Thunder Heat 4 – Zipping Maserati (29.59) T: Martin Hallinan


Perhaps next week Zipping Maserati will finally shake off the bridesmaid tag, after a favourable box two draw for the final.

Much-hype surrounded Victorian star Amron Boy returning to Wentworth Park and exiting from box one in the opening Paws Of Thunder heat.

Sent out at the skinny odds of $1.18 with greyhound bookmakers, Brooke Ennis admitted she was somewhat concerned throughout the event as the dog battled to shake off a gallant . Eventually Amron Boy prevailed getting to the line by 0.75 lengths in 29.85.

2023 Group 1 Paws Of Thunder Heat 1 – Zipping Maserati (29.85) T: Brooke Ennis


The star Victorian greyhound seemingly has plenty of room for improvement after enduring the 11-hour trip to Wentworth Park and was having his first time at the track since September 2022, but will need plenty of luck in the final after drawing box five.

After bombing the start as a short-priced favourite in last Tuesday's Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup, She's A Pearl returned to a track where she has saluted on 17 previous occasions.

All eyes were on her start from box two and after a moderate getaway, Jodie Lord's charge quickly mustered speed thanks to a vacant box on her outside.

The daughter of Aston Dee Bee and gave a great sight out in front to stride to victory by three lengths in a 29.62. The Million Dollar Chase winner will however have to overcome a tough box eight draw in the Group 1 final.

2023 Group 1 Paws Of Thunder Heat 5 – She's A Pearl (29.62) T: Jodie Lord


2022 Group 1 Peter Mosman Opal winner Embrace was sent out as one of the rank outsiders in heat two from box three, with a majority of punters preferring the likes of Tania Keeping, Coast Model and Simply Limelight.

Craig Chappelow's chaser stepped beautifully from her alley and despite a strong charge from Sound Of Silence, saluted by three lengths at the finish in 29.70.

2023 Group 1 Paws Of Thunder Heat 2 – Embrace (29.70) T: Craig Chappelow


Paying as much as $51 with greyhound betting sites, the daughter of Turanza Bale and Twisted Love should not be discounted from the final, after taking out the Peter Mosman Opal final last year at odds of $12.00.

2023 Group 1 Ladbrokes Paws Of Thunder Final Box Draw


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