Punter’s Bandit upsets big names in G2 Gosford Gold Cup
While the dynamic duo consisting of owners Punters HQ and trainer Jodie Lord were expected to take out the 2023 edition of the G2 Beast Unleashed Gosford Gold Cup, few would have expected it to be won by Punter’s Bandit from box three.
A large crowd descended at the Central Coast circuit to catch a glimpse of golden girl She’s A Pearl, who was sent out the $1.45 favourite with greyhound betting sites from the inside alley, with Zipping Novak (box 4) the only other runner under double figures at $6.50.
Upon box rise, the Million Dollar Chase winner stepped poorly and found herself towards the tail of the field in the early stages.
Kerry Drynan’s Reflections from box two sped to the lead and led the field entering the back straight, with eventual winner Punter’s Bandit and runner-up Mia She’s Fast in hot pursuit.
Upon turning from home, there was a great go to the line with Lord’s chaser scoring by a head over Frank Hurst’s gallant runner-up and Zipping Novak, who also finished fast, wound up in third position.
It was the daughter of Good Odds Harada and Book Of Luck’s eighth career victory from start 24, with the successful owner/trainer partnership kicking off 2023 in style. The time recorded for the 515m journey was 29.37.
In 2022, Punters HQ and Jodie Lord won the May Million Dollar Chase (She’s A Pearl), G1 Golden Easter Egg (She’s A Pearl), G1 Dapto Megastar (Good Odds Emma) and G2 Healesville Cup Final (Sacred Stance) to add to their already-impressive resume.
It was the first time since 2013 a greyhound from box three has won the event.