Neville Robson’s Duo Hold All The Cards In 2010 Casino Cup
Alstonville trainer Neville Robson holds the “whip hand” in this Friday's Charcoal Inn Casino Cup final, when the two of his runners won their heats last week.
Azure Allegro clocked the fastest of the heat winners running a sizzling 27.27 in a 1 1/4 length win from the well performed Four Wings. She was the unplaced favourite in this race last year, and may atone in 2010.
Earlier, the other Robson runner, Allegro Charm came with a fast rails run to grab victory in heat one. The pace was on all of the way, and in a bustling finish, she was the runner to prevail clocking 27.65.
Cup prelude winner Surin' Sal registered 27.73 in her heat win for owner / trainer Margaret Dwyer.
This time can somewhat be discounted, as she was interferred with by the wide running Corporal O' Reily as the entered the back section. It was a good chasing effort.
Queenslander Outreach rounded out the heats when he ran 27.74. He's a regular visitor, who has run a personal best time of 27.37, so he should be in the “mix.” It all adds up to a great spectacle at this Friday's Twilight card.
Ettrick conditioner Darryl Schafer, who won the cup last year with Within Site, returned to the scene of the crime with a winning double. Tee Bone Trick soon took charge in the Mc Donald's Pharmacy maiden and kicked well clear down the back before recording 5 3/4 length win in 27.74, while Balboa Trick got around the leaders on the top turn to run 23.21 in a fifth grade sprint.
Yeah I Know and He's Excitable staged a two dog “war” from barrier to box in the Paul Wasson Electrical stake. Having the inside running, Yeah I Know hung on in the closing stages and scored by a neck in 23.52 for trainer Neil Falls and owner Allison Huntington.
Pat Lavis' luck may have changed for the better when Big Black Shiraz won the Casino RSM Club stake. Back in distance from contesting stayers races, he railed through on the home bend to grab the prize in 23.76.
The distance event went to Flaming Grace who was an all of the way winner for Jan Finneran and Steve Casey in 36.03, and Farmer's Image came out running to hold on and win the Ranvet stake by a neck in 23.48. The Mc Lean family own and train her.
Prancing Buoy won the opening maiden for Shane Staples in 23.82 when he railed through at the first bend, whilst the second maiden went to Defector who got to the lead as they went into the back. He ran 23.76 for Adam Whitmore.
All roads lead to Queen Elizabeth Park this Friday evening for the Group Three Charcoal Inn Casino Cup Final. First race about 3.15pm.