Mini Emily Makes A Big Splash
Mini Emily may be small by name but certainly not by nature. Heat two of Saturday's Westcha$e series was over a long way from the post as Jamie Marsh's young speedster flew around the Cannington 530m circuit.
Wearing the blue rug as $1.90 favourite, the daughter of Solve The Puzzle and Austin Lee began like a shot, but had to avoid both Shivine ($4.20) and Adriano Monelli ($12.30), who tried to close the gap after a few strides. But once she got through, Mini Emily hit top gear and left them standing down the back.
Black Mandagery tried to cut the margin down but when the leader runs 30.25 in front, there aren't too many with the ability make up the ground. Adriano Monelli ran on well to make the final but needs to make up 10 lengths in order to beat Mini Emily next week.
Those with good memories may remember Mini Emily as a finalist of the Group 2 Launching Pad in Melbourne, running fifth behind Easy Peasy after winning her heat in 29.75. That sort of form suggests the 27-month year old bitch should have a bright future, providing she can stay fit.
Her next assignment will be the final of the Westcha$e, where she'll come up against some stiff competition, including a mouth-watering clash with Vocal Enforcer, who again impressed with a big win of its own.
Running about a length slower than Mini Emily in 30.32, the current form of Vocal Enforcer must have him as one the state's fastest greyhounds. Able to overcome any box draw, Andrew McLaren's star runner will be one of the main dangers to take the title next Saturday night.
Reef Rider ($11.60) was a good run behind Vocal Enforcer, making the final after beginning steadily and getting past Ebony Storm ($21.40) turning for home. With an inside draw and a bit of luck in running, it may be some chance for an upset.
Notto Monelli ($2.50fav) gave David Hobby a finalist after a very strong come-from-behind win in heat three. Beginning fairly from box four, Notto Monelli was turned sideways shortly after and was last when passing the post. Railing strongly around the bend, he was able to take up fourth position, but didn't seem to be travelling well enough off the back to catch the tearaway outsider, Final Lesson ($17.30).
Turning for home and Final Lesson had got a stitch, allowing Kalden Komoto ($4.30) to put itself in the picture. That was before Notto Monelli came flying out wide, and stormed over the top. Putting four lengths on the field in a few strides, it eventuated as an easy win for the favourite. The time of 30.92 was much slower than those mentioned above, but it was still a win with plenty of merit.
Rounding out the Quadrella, and the final heat, was Dan Biddle's Kalden Aurora ($1.90) who was untroubled in a lead-all-the way performance. Running 30.52, the Premier Fantasy – Abbadale Affair dog was too classy and had seven lengths to spare ahead of Tasmanian chaser Man for Man.
Man for Man was undefeated from four starts coming into the race, and after desperately trying to find the rail, it ran a respectable race and could improve with an inside draw.
The upset of the night went to Rock Pool in the Free For All event, who upstaged the pin-up boy of W.A racing, Pedrosa, in a fantastic dual. Rock Pool was nailed to the fence for the entire journey, which proved pivotal to the result as Pedrosa went on his customary middle-of-the-track running line.
Despite being headed around the first bend, Rock Pool was able to lead down the back making it a two-dog war with Spring Legend right behind them. The 2010 W.A Derby winner had plenty in reserve though, and held Paul Stuart's superstar at bay in 30.41. Spring Legend's third placing was also full of merit in a keenly contested race.