Graeme Bate Fully Advanced To 2013 Golden Easter Egg Semis
Graeme Bate prepared, Fully Advanced was amongst a handful of runners which set the track alight on Saturday night (March 16) at Wentworth Park, in the heats of the Macro Meats Golden Easter Egg.
Having twice won the series before, Bate knows just what it takes to win the three week event, with Fully Advanced in prime position to now go all the way.
Saturday's ten, Group 1 heats attracted a wonderful array of sprinters and a strong crowd to witness the exceptional racing.
Reigning champion trainer, Jason Thompson opened the night in stunning style, with Boris Fields beating favoured Renegade Chief in a sizzling 29.54. Only his second look at the Glebe circuit, Boris Fields will be among many that will improve with further runs on the track.
In form NSW runner, Princess Black claimed the second qualifier, again in good time (29.59), over the ever consistent Imry Bale and Nitro Cee. Trainer John Heard, was thrilled with the victory and the continued good form of the up and coming runner, which now has eight wins from 14 starts to her name.
The NSW runners continued on their winning way in the third heat, with Mythical Eagle winning for Anthony Meredith. In an exciting battle with speedster, Joshua, Mythical Eagle was able to charge on the line and win by just half a length. The victory bound to have elated Meredith, who was stuck at home unwell.
It wasn't long however before the Victorian runners returned to the fore, with Group 2 Horsham Cup winner, Peter Rocket claiming race four. Recording 29.52 in his first look at the track, the son of Where's Pedro is bound to improve and continue the good run for Lisa and Keith Hellmuth.
Short price favourite and dual Group 1 winner, Spud Regis didn't disappoint his followers, winning the first leg of the quaddie for the Dailly team. Strong performances were also posted from runners up Bubba's Dream and Gradence, with all three progressing to next Saturday night's Semi-Finals.
Mark Azzopardi's Jagger Swagger, showed he really does have the moves claiming race six of the night, over Hot Irish and Magnum Blast. Leading all the way, Jagger Swagger was impressive in his 29.56 victory, taking him to five wins on the trot.
With four sub 29.60 runs having already been produced by mid way through the program, those trackside couldn't have asked for much more in the standard of racing. They were however certainly not left disappointed when Fully Advanced went just three thousandths outside of the Track Record, posting an amazing 29.45.
In a field worthy of being a semi-final, Fully Advanced reminded bookmakers and punters alike of his sensational early speed which had already seen him make one Group 1 Final at Wentworth Park.
Cracker Jack Lil showed why early speed is so critical in early races leading all the way in heat eight of the night. The blue bitch holding out 2012 Macro Meats Golden Easter Egg finalists, El Caballo by just half a length, with Winsome Charlee finishing in third.
A winner of an Egg heat last year, Stetson Donna returned to Wentworth Park in fine fashion, winning the ninth heat over favoured Billy The Sid. The longest odds winner of the night looked to be gone down the back, before rallying again in the straight to score the win. The result pleasing to Owner-Trainer Peter Dundon, who has had a difficult 9 months with injuries.
Shortest price favourite of the night, Sometime Speedy claimed the final event, putting the cherry on top for a number of punters who stuck with the inform Jason Mackay runner at $1.50. Winning by four and half lengths, Mackay again looks to have a strong chance in another Wentworth Park feature.
The four Semi-Finals of the Macro Meats Golden Easter Egg will be conducted next Saturday night, along with the Group 1 Hotham Body Repairs Association Cup.