Sir Banjo on-song in Central Queensland Derby Final
Sir Banjo played his sweet music when saluting in the Central Queensland Derby Final at Rockhampton on Wednesday night.
The Ken Boody-trained chaser was sent to the boxes in the 510m final as a +170 chance with greyhound bookmakers, with his kennelmate Who's Billy starting as the +160 race favourite.
Riverina Knight (+1100) led into the first corner before Sir Banjo swept out wide to take over the front.
Straightening for home, Sir Banjo kicked away to beat Who's Billy by five-and-a-half lengths in 29.94, giving Boody the first two past the post.
Central Queensland Derby Final replay – Sir Banjo (29.94) – T: Ken Boody
“Both went good, mate,” the trainer told Australian Racing Greyhound.
“Banjo jumped a lot better than he had been.
“He was able to put himself closer to the fence, which is the key to him.
“Who's Billy went super – he is just racing without much luck.”
CG Syndications manager Jaycin Campbell also commented on the win.
“We've been patiently waiting for a feature win, so it was finally nice to break the duck,” the dog's owner said.
“It looked his race on paper, as there wasn't any speed outside him and Riverina Knight could've given him a nice cart into the race – which is exactly what happened.
“In saying that, I've thought that his past few races and he's caved in under pressure.”
In his last start, on October 23, Sir Banjo had his only run at Albion Park, finishing fourth in a six-dog field over the 600m.
He will return to the south-east Queensland track next week, with his trainer saying he will be much better with that experience.
“He will go down to Albion Park on Monday for a 600m start,” said Boody.
“(We'll) see if he handles the track better now he has had a look.”
The son of Zambora Brockie and El Rapido has 14 wins and 21 placings from 50 starts and has banked $69,305 in prize money.