Spring Gun Beats Them For Pace In Vic Peters Classic Final Victory
The Centrebet Vic Peters Final lived up to its Classic title on Saturday night (November 5), with Spring Gun taking out the 520 metre Group 1 in 29.75.
The lead up to the $75,000 to the winner event had focused upon Spring Gun and Mepunga Nicky's early pace verse Cold Fusion and Mr. Clydesdale's favourable box draws and strong run home times.
It was speed however which prevailed in the exciting final with Spring Gun leading all the way to post a 4 1/4 length victory over Mepunga Nicky and Zipping Catra.
Trainer Christine Oldfield said following the event the win was a real thrill.
“I am just over the moon, the dog has just hit his peak and that run was just enormous,” Oldfield said after the race.
“We couldn't be prouder of the dog, he is six from six now at Wentworth Park, it is just an amazing night.”
Oldfield was the first to draw out her final starting box during last Saturday's (October 29) Centrebet Vic Peters box draw.
While the camp was not pleased with drawing box five, both Oldfield and owner-breeder Greg Board took solace in Victorian Mepunga Nicky drawing on Spring Gun's outside in box six.
“I remember in 2004 when we were drawing boxes for the Golden Easter Egg, Tony Brett said to me he just wanted Bogie Leigh to draw on the inside of Spring Secret, and when he did he knew he could win,” Board said following the Centrebet Vic Peters victory.
“Tony Brett drew the five, we drew the six, he ran first and we ran second, so drawing on the inside of speed is important.”
Ecstatic with the win Board credited Spring Gun's victory to his preparation by trainer Christine Oldfield and blistering first sections.
“Early pace in any race is a big big factor and especially at Wentworth Park and that's what Gun showed,” Board said.
“I can not thank everyone enough, I had so many people wish me the best and so many congratulate me after the race, and they really meant it.
“When you win these big races it is nice to have people win them with you,” Board said.
While Oldfield will now look to focus on a campaign in Queensland with Spring Gun, owners Greg and Scott Board will look to have Spring Bluegirl salute in the Bathurst GBOTA Branch Super Maiden (520 m) on Monday (November 7).
A victory at Bathurst would round out a large month for Board after also having greyhounds compete in finals of the Group 2 Lismore Worker's Cup and Schweppes All Star Sprint in Western Australia.
Wentworth Park now turns its attention to the Schweppes Summer Cup over 720 metres, with heats on November 26, 2011.