Crosswell Hoping For Fourth National Finalist
Super bitch She's All Class may very well give ace Bishopsbourne owner-trainer David Crosswell his fourth runner in the National Sprint Championship Final to be conducted at The Meadows.
The daughter of Dyna Lachlan has drawn the check box in Monday night's State Agra National Sprint Championship Final (515 metres) and is the logical favourite for the event.
“She is a brilliant beginner and her main rivals, also quick beginners, have drawn out wide which I believe gives her a one length advantage,” he explained this week.
“It would be great to have another runner in the Nationals and I think she will give me a great sight.”
Crosswell won the National Sprint Championship with Busy Vintage in 1986, ran second to Fremantle Echo with True Vintage in 1988 and also qualified Highland Summer for the prestigious event.
She's All Class won her heat of the Sprint Championship on Monday night by leading throughout and scoring her tenth victory in succession.
Exciting chaser Buckle Up Wes also led throughout to win his heat for master mentor Ted Medhurst and the Butch Deverell prepared Nooee's Lad also flew the lids and looked impressive in front, in the remaining qualifier.
The old champ Rewind, shooting for his 62 victory, failed to qualify for the final on a circuit not regarded as his favourite.
Unfortunately for all concerned, the State Agra National Distance Championship (720 metres) has attracted a field of only five, with the champion bitch Bell Haven almost certain to graduate to The Meadows.
Meanwhile Leith based trainer Gary Johnson was at his brilliant best at Tuesday's NWGRC meeting conducted at the Devonport Raceway, winning four races on a nine event programme.
Johnson kennel occupants Jodie Valentino (Where's Pedro – Caseys Angel), Part Time Pete (Velocette – Magical Potion), Starlena (Paddy's Flame – Cash Box) and Queen Of Speed (Bit Chili – Shazlyn) were all seen in the winners circle, to give the trainer one of his most successful days.
The victory of the Murray Mace owned Queen Of Speed was particularly pleasing for those involved.
The bitch, the winner of five races, last raced in December 2012 and has since produced a litter of six pups, currently being reared on Mace's Kindred property.
Another smart chaser to greet the judge at Devonport was Sing The Song (High Earner – Stylish Moon) who prevailed in very impressive fashion.
Raced and prepared by the Grubb family of Launceston, the bitch has now won seven of 16 outings and and is proving to be a wonderful money spinner.
Hellyeah Rachel (Collide – Gone For Tea) and Black Bessie (Where's Pedro – Smart And Sassy, prepared by Susan Gittus and Ian Callinan, were other well performed bitches to enter the winners circle on the day.