Highland Smoker from the clouds – last to first run of the night at The Gardens
In a breathtaking display of speed and determination, Highland Smoker, emerged from obscurity to claim a stunning victory at The Gardens on Friday night.
The crowd was left awestruck as the greyhound dashed from the tail of the field with unparalleled agility, seizing the victory in a mesmerising performance.
The race was a testament to the unwavering spirit of competition that characterises the greyhound racing world.
The Gardens racecourse was alive with anticipation as the competitors lined up for Race 10 on the program, a lowly 5th Grade 400m chase.
Highland Smoker, the winner of just two races from 19 starts prior to last night, was priced a +210 second favourite with greyhound bookies, but no one foresaw the trouble he would need to overcome to win the event.
From the jump, Highland Smoker was immediately squeezed back to last, before looking like a rails run would open for him 50m after the jump.
Attempting to take the run, the Wayne Chandler-trained greyhound was absolutely stopped in his tracks and shot in to the air.
At this point we lose sight of Highland Smoker in the vision but he would have to be more than 14 lengths from the leader, with around 300m to go in the race.
Remarkably, the determined chaser re-enters the replay vision with about 150m to go, but is still 10 lengths in arrears, and has already made up many lengths to get to that position.
We'll let the vision speak for itself from that point.
The Gardens 5th Grade 400m June 2 2023 – Highland Smoker (23.60) T: Wayne Chandler
The winning time of 23.60 seconds is a long way outside Vencedor's 22.29 track record, but Highland Smoker has made an early claim in June for ‘Run Of The Month'.
Highland Smoker (Margins x Wet Weekend) has won three races from 20 starts, with six further placings, winning owner and trainer Wayne Chandler $7,040 in prizemoney.
In the world of greyhound racing, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, Highland Smoker's remarkable victory serves as a poignant reminder that dreams can be realised against all odds.
It is a testament to the sheer power of determination, the unwavering resolve to overcome obstacles, and the indomitable spirit that defines the heart and soul of the racing greyhound.