Future Stars On Show At Maitland
Eight heats of the Brodie Wells Electrical Future Stars Series will be run and won at Maitland this afternoon, with some outstanding prospects on debut over the 400 metres. This extremely popular event will again carry a winner’s purse of $7,000, which will be presented to winning connections next Thursday.
Key Performers:
Shelby Thunder (7) will make his debut in heat one from for trainer Deen Parkinson after an impressive 22.73 performance trial at the track last week. Leading all the way from box five, this impeccably bred son of Cosmic Rumble and Cindeen Shelby will be well supported by punters, despite exiting from box seven. Shelby Thunder appears to have inherited some of his mother’s notable early speed after clocking a fast first sectional of 5.31.
Gauge This (6) and Harry Bailey (8) will step out in heat two, with both greyhounds recording an outstanding time of 22.68 in their respective performance trials at Maitland. Walter Simmons’ Gauge This is a son of Lochinvar Marlow and Hail Queenie and was brilliant last week, leading all the way and scoring by five lengths at the finish. Harry Bailey is another promising youngster from renowned breeders Brett and Deborah May, with the son of Brett Lee and Daydream prepared by astute trainer Anthony Azzopardi. Exiting from box five last week, Harry Bailey saluted by two lengths and recorded a fast early split of 5.28, which will help him get across from the wide alley.
It wouldn’t be a maiden series without Martin and Fiona Hallinan making an impact and Zipping Midge (1) is looking to do just that in heat three. The daughter of Fabregas and Zipping Jewel sizzled around Maitland two weeks ago in 22.65 and is certain to be familiar with the 400m distance, being prepared by master Hunter Valley trainer Jason Mackay. In-form trainer Melinda Finn will be looking to continue her winning ways with Winsome Jacko, who will exit from box eight in the same heat and comes off a flying 26.19 performance trial at Bulli. This son of El Grand Senor and Ramblin’ Ruby will certainly test this field at the finish.
In heat four, Winsome Jacko’s litter mate Winsome Mission will start from box six after a brilliant 25.50 performance trial over the 450m two weeks. Trainer Melinda Finn has decided drop the son of El Grand Senor and Ramblin’ Ruby back in distance and he will have to overcome a tricky draw to figure prominently in this event.
Finn will again unleash another talented prodigy from El Grand Senor and Ramblin’ Ruby in heat five, with Winsome Warrior (6) simply outstanding at Richmond on Saturday night, recording 22.66 over the 400m and blitzing his rivals from box seven. Despite another awkward box draw, this greyhound illustrated blinding speed in his only trial and should post a smart time with a repeat performance. Looking to upset the favourite with be Lord Licrick (7) for owner-trainer Robert Green. This son of Oaks Road and Myron’s Angel performance trialled a month ago at Richmond and was equally impressive over the 400 in 22.69. Green will be confident with his charges chances, particularly being drawn inside a slow beginner.
Christine Proctor has another live chance in heat six with Master Gee (8), who clocked a sizzling time of 22.56 at this track in a performance trial last month. The 35kg son of El Grand Senor and Oh Em Gee destroyed his rivals by nine and a quarter lengths from box five and makes his racing debut from box eight.
Two outstanding prospects will line up in the final heat of the day, with Melinda Finn’s Winsome Bluey exiting from box one. The son of El Grand Senor and Ramblin’ Ruby finished second to Winsome Jacko in a performance trial at Bulli two weeks ago, clocking a fast time of 26.25 over the 472m. The 36kg heavyweight showed a great turn of acceleration and should handle this track and distance with ease. Beautifully bred chaser Petal Sannette also finished second in her only performance trial to date, clocking a speedy time of 22.71 earlier this month at Maitland. The Kevin Johnson trained daughter of Cosmic Rumble and Bloss Sannette battled on gamely behind Zipping Midge and expect a big showing from box two.
All eight heat winners will move through to next week’s $7,000 final, which was won last year by Devine Awe in a time of 22.52 for local trainer Pat Parrelli.