|
CHARMER LODGE FEATURE NEWS - OCTOBER 2007
|
CAVALLI TOO GOOD
18 Oct, 2007.
DENISE Robinson says Cavalli will just keep on improving and she hopes it comes within the next few weeks.
Cavalli (Whisky Assassin-Malawi’s Marina) proved too good for a 520m 5th Grade field at Albion Park on Thursday night to win in 30.58.
He downed Little Einstein by five and a quarter lengths with a nose to Night Storm in third.
It was his ninth win from 18 starts and followed a close second to boom youngster Whippy’s Image in the Lismore Classic final last week.
Robinson will now head towards the Grafton series of the Bull N Barley Cup.
“The Grafton winner gets into the final at Wentworth Park and that’s our immediate aim with this dog,” trainer Robinson said.
Cavalli has now won two of four starts at Albion Park and Robinson says the dog will continue to improve as he matures.
“The 11.78 second section he ran was a good run and that’s where he puts himself into his races,” she said.
Robinson is so impressed with Cavalli that she recently bought a six month old pup by Collision from Malawi’s Marina.
“And the dam is about to have a litter of pups to Bombastic Shiraz,” she said.
Unfortunately, Group winning Black Cobra, a half brother to Cavalli, had to be put down recently after being injured while on the comeback trail.
|
I TIME FOR TREVOR
18 Oct, 2007.
HIGHLAND Hi stood on his feet this week and produced yet another sterling performance when easily winning a 600m 4th-5th Grade at Albion Park.
The son of Hallucinate-My Girl Zani scored by a length and three-quarters over Gem King with three and a quarter lengths to Come Up Uno in third.
Highland Hi has won two of his three starts over 600m but was knocked down as a hot favourite in a similar race at headquarters last week.
Trevor Thompson, who handled the dog on behalf of his father, trainer Bob, said the dog’s future was over 700m.
“We believe he has the makings of a very good stayer in the future,” said Trevor.
Highland Hi has always been a high class galloper and took his record to 11 wins from 26 starts.
Bob Thompson believes the dog is the best he has bred in many years in the industry.
“We really thought he could win tonight,” said Trevor. “He’s been jumping out of his skin all day.”
Immediate plans are for the dog to keep coming back to Albion Park to progress through his grades over 600m.
“When he has run out of those grades we will look to step him up to the 700m distance,” said Trevor.
“He’s not quick enough early to match it with the best in top grade over shorter distances.”
The Hallucinate-My Girl Zani litter has been a great one.
Litter sister Halzani won at the Gold Coast on Tuesday to take her record to three wins from her past four starts.
“There are a few others in the litter going very well,” said Trevor.
Highland Hi was quickly into stride and soon in front, but he was chased throughout by Gem King who was holding his ground throughout the race.
Highland Hi has now won five races at Albion Park.
|
October 2007
Courtesy GRAQ website
18 Oct, 2007.
TRAVIS Elson was beginning to wonder just when Tejay’s Assassin would finally win a final.
He did that on Thursday night at Albion Park and while it might have only been a 5th Grade final (520m), Travis was happy to see his dog “get the monkey off his back”.
Tejay’s Assassin (Royal Assassin-Capishe's Figlia) has already made a Young Guns final at Bundaberg and Ipswich as well as the Bundaberg Cup.
He utilised his rails box draw to perfection on Thursday night when scoring by a length and a half over Secret Bomber with a length and a quarter to Fireworks in third in 30.66.
Tejay’s Assassin has a great record around Albion Park. His victory on Thursday night took his record at the track to six wins from 10 starts.
Elson predicted his dog would be much better in the final than he was in his heat despite a failure at Capalaba last Saturday.
“He probably should have won much easier because he found a bit of trouble through the race,” he said.
Tejay’s Assassin will keep coming back to Albion Park and Elson is contemplating stepping him up to 600m in the not too distant future.
“He was a great run at his one and only 600m start here,” he said. “He led to a few strides from home and was run down by Beau Pago who is going very well over the distance.
“And that night he was not as fit as he is now.”
Elson admitted supporting his dog but also said he feared the inclusion of Fireworks into the race.
Fireworks, a tragedy beaten in a heat of the series the previous week, got a start from the reserves after the scratching of Leica Golden Boy.
“We will stick to Albion Park with the dog for the time being,” said Travis.
“I want to ring the grader tomorrow and work out just how many, if any, more fifth grades he has left.”
Secret Bomber showed his customary early pace to lead to the back straight, but the powerful Tejay’s Assassin got a dream run along the fence to take over by the 600m boxes.
|
Courtesy GRAQ Website
TEJAY ON THE IMPROVE
15 Oct, 2007.
YANDINA trainer Travis Elson believes his smart galloper Tejay's Assassin will improve on his heat winning time of 30.43 in Thursday night's final at Albion Park.
Tejay's Assassin (Royal Assassin-Capishe's Figlia) has come up with the coveted rails draw in the 5th Grade final (520m).
He led virtually throughout to beat Generous Gift in the heat last week in 30.43.
But since then he has flopped in a heat of the Michael Miller Memorial at Capalaba on Saturday.
Capalaba has not suited him.
"I took him there last Sunday week for a gallop with the Miller Memorial in mind," said Travis. "But he had to wait for a trial and then got ver, very stirred up.
"It affected him and even though he won the following Thursday in his heat of this race, it left him flat for the Miller heats."
Tejay's Assassin finished fifth beaten nine lengths behind Bosanova Blue at Capalaba on Saturday.
"He's picked up quickly since Capalaba," said Travis. "From the rails and with no more work until Thursday night's race, he should be a great chance."
Elson, a relative newcomer to greyhound training, will sidestep the Ipswich Gold Cup series with his dog.
"He won four of six starts there early in his career but lately I have taken him back for a Young Guns etc and he was missing the start," he said.
"But he is jumping much better at Albion Park.
"I don't think we will go to the Ipswich Cup against the opposition he would have to face."
Tejay's Assassin has already won 11 of his 28 race starts and been placed six times.
Elson believes Generous Gift will be the hardest to beat in Thursday night's final, but says if Fireworks gets a start it will be a graat chance.
"It was an enormous run by Fireworks in the heat last week to finish second," said Elson.
"And Ray Burman's dog Secret Bomber out in the eight has heaps of early pace.
"But, if my bloke jumps and holds his position on the rails, I think he can win."
|
WHISKY PUP TOPS: AUCTION RESULTS
14 Oct, 2007.
FOR the second successive year a Whisky Assassin pup has topped the Ipswich Auction.
Last year it was a Whisky Assassin-Thai Charm.
In 2007, at today's auction at the Ipswich Showgrounds it was Lot 88, a black dog by Whisky Assassin from star bitch Lukeamy.
The dog was offered on behalf of Nicolette Grimmond of Benalla in Victoria and brought $13,000.
It is believed the pup was bought back by connections.
Some 277 lots were catalogued but "about 40" were scratched. Those sold bought $463,450 with the average $1631.
A full list of Auction Results can be viewed at
|
GODFREYS DOMINATE
7 Oct, 2007.
FATHER and daughter Denis and Cristy Godfrey dominated the Cairns Derby and Futurity on Saturday night.
Cristy landed the Futurity (544m) with Nincom Poop (Bearability-Fran Jase) who downed Frisian Alley and Over Quoted (trainer by Denis).
And Denis then won the Derby (544m) with Four Way Ruski (Hallucinate-Four Way Fire) who downed Trendy Black and Prince Jay.
Cristy Godfrey's kennel is on fire having won the Short Course final in Cairns last week with Spring Ian.
Four Way Ruski and kennelmate Four Way Gas could soon join other former kennelmates Illusion Star and Sherpa Rose in training with Bryon Miller at Tamborine.
Four Way Ruski took his record to nine wins from 21 starts with the Derby victory, the first in that race for Godfrey.
"I've won the Futurity twice with Sudden Saga and Pink Tassels, but this is my first Derby and it is a thrill," he said.
Ironically both runners-up Frisian Alley and Trendy Black are owned and trained in Townsville by Graham Thomson.
Only last Thursday Frisian Alley had won the Townsville Futurity. Trendy Black won the Cairns Cup recently.
|
JET NEEDS LIGHTNING START
17 Sept, 2007.
OWNER-trainer Barry Dull is not fooling himself despite having the fastest qualifier, Dooley's Jet, for Thursday night's 395m Lightning final at Albion Park.
Dooley's Jet (Hallucinate-Dooley's Mist) made his 395m debut in the heats last Friday winning by four lengths in 22.80 easily the best of the heats and best of the day.
"That start," was what Dull named as the biggest danger to Dooley's Jet's chances in the final that carries $5000 to the winner.
"Not always the best dog wins those races from the 395 metres. It is often just who is boxed next to you and what they do at the jump.
"He only needs a clear 20 metres and I would think they can't beat him.
"I was super pleased with the win in the heat and admit that I just tossed him and Disco Bear in with a hope."
Dooley's Jet has always been a promising young galloper but went through a form slump a few weeks ago.
"I was going to give him a spell," said Dull. "But then I found a little problem with him and when fixed he has come good again."
That included a 30.30 graded win and then a great second to the brilliant Becton in the final in 30.08.
Dull rates the rails runner Rosie Wild as a big danger.
"She's a pretty good sprinter and got a check in running in the back straight in her heat on Friday," he said.
"I think she will be hard to beat from the rails."
Dull is looking at the up-coming, rich Casino Cup as a target for Dooley's Jet.
"They have a very good carnival and I think I will take a few dogs down for it," he said.
"It's a track I think will suit Dooley's Jet."
The Albion Park meeting on Thursday night sees the champion stayers Miss Grub and Miss Brook clash once again.
This time Miss Grub comes off a slight injury and an easy week or so in training, while Miss Brook comes off her record shattering Lismore Invitation win last week.
|
Courtesy GRA NSW website
Harley's Mind Games Scorches At Coonamble
A MASSIVE 18 heats were required to accommodate all nominations for today’s Rooty Hill RSL maiden heats at Coonamble.
Just after mid-day, the twelfth race of the day, and the first of the 301m heats was won by Awesome Jo Jo in a moderate 17.98.
Heat two went to Paul’s Princess in 17.71 while Victorian Kaseh (Hallucinate – Tacard) secured heat three in 17.67.
Joe Corte’s Placid Lee (Hallucinate – Classic Deb) came from box five in heat four to score in 17.71 and Speedy Schooner became the first winner to have had prior race experience in heat five, registering 17.55.
The fastest time of the 18 heats was registered in heat six by Our Mind Games (Hallucinate – Golorinda).
The red fawn dog quickly led from box five and scored a comfortable win in a fast 17.29.
Heat seven went to Black Warhorse (Hallucinate – Tommie’s Placard) in 17.71 before another newcomer Cowgirl Kelly took heat eight in 17.85.
Sammy The Rat (Royal Assassin – Miss Blue Fox) was successful in heat nine in 17.86 then Bear Babe secured heat 10 in 17.68 for Jodie Gilbert.
Box one proved an asset for the Canberra-based Harry’s Lad in heat 11 and posted 17.61.
Hallucinate’s terrific day continued when Wizard Keeping (ex Smokey Melody) won heat 12 in a slow 17.95 then Lead The Que posted 17.72 in heat 13.
Jodie Gilbert landed a double in heat 14 when White Iris posted 17.63.
Frankie Magic proved too good in heat 17.55 then Corgirl Tash – a litter sister and kennel mate to Cowgirl Kelly took out heat 16 in 17.73.
Heat 17 went to Beldon Prince in 17.67 and was the second of Matt Moncrieff’s winners in on a particularly busy day.
The final heat went to Queensland visitor Miss Sarajevo in a smart 17.48.
The unique box draw for Monday’s final takes place only minutes before the event.
By lucky dip, connections can select which box they want but Our Mind Games is expected to start favourite regardless of the ‘grid’ position.
He is the oldest runner in the $7000 to winner final and therein lies a story.
“He badly tore a hip support muscle when 18 months of age,” owner trainer Troy Harley said of the fawn dog.
“We were looking to the Easter Maiden at Wentworth Park early on but that was out the window just when he was really flying.”
After leading from box five today, Harley made an interesting observation the box he’d choose in the Final.
“I’d like to get an early pick [of the boxes] but, after watching a lot of races here, I would take box two or three before the rails.
“Many good beginners can miss the start from box 1 over the 301m and then it’s curtains. He’s pulled up fine, so here’s hoping.”
The Final is scheduled for 4pm on a day when the first kicks off at 8.10am and the last of 35 races on the day will be decided in fading light at 5.15.
|
 |
Miagi Returns Triumphant
THE INJURY cloud which kept Miagi out of the Chairman’s Cup Final at Wentworth Park on September 15 was little more than a distant memory for connections after the son of in-form sire Hallucinate scored in a brilliant 42.35 in the second of three Sydney Cup heats at the Ultimo track tonight.
Miagi registered a commanding, career best 42.51 Chairman’s Cup heat win over Flashing Floods on September 8 but an old metacarpal injury flared post-race and trainer Warren Harper erred on the side of caught and gave the Group 3 Final a bye.
Retribution was sweet this time.
Seven lengths the clear winning margin over 20/1 chance Lyn's Daisy and, barring any further injury concerns, the 2007 Sydney Cup might as well be at the engravers office right now!
Earlier Brush Shiraz surprisingly outpaced Flashing Floods in the first 250m in heat one.
The Victorian, however, kept the pressure on and regained the lead after a lap of the track but Brush Shiraz hardly dropped away.
In fact, Brush Shiraz railed to look for the lead again at the end of the back straight and headed Flashing Floods as the field wheeled for home.
At the wire, only one length separated the two daughters of Bombastic Shiraz in 42.76 but it was Brush Shiraz which prevailed over the ‘unbackable’1/10 (yes, tens on!) National Distance Champion.
Queenslander Wild Juvante impressed in her strong 42.69 win in heat three of the Sydney Cup.
After trailing Zin Zin Zanziba for more than a lap, Wild Juvante burst clear with 150m to run and came away to account for Kibble Kruncha by 5-1/4 lengths.
Kibble Kruncha, the 5/4 favourite, was a distant last early and, despite making good ground late, was never a winning chance. Zin Zin Zanziba battled away for third but was 6-3/4 lengths from the winner.
Of the three third placegetters, Zin Zin Zanziba was the slowest on calculated times and will be the first reserve in next week’s Group 2 Final.
Albion Park record holder Miss Brook, National Distance Champion Flashing Floods, impressive heats winners Brush Shiraz and Wild Juvante will be ready to rumble but this contest looks one sided.
Miagi is the real deal and a win in the Sydney Cup might only be the start of things to come.
The Sir John Dillion, Hume and Carnival Cups are just around the corner at Sandown and The Meadows and well within grasp.
|
 |
Long Distances No Worry For Lilley Criminal
LILLEY Criminal (Hallucinate x Que Dee Tee) posted a near track record 35.67sec in her Richmond 618m win on Friday night and trainer Jason Mackay has no doubt she will get further.
Asked whether he believed she would run a strong 720m at Wentworth Park, Jason shot back: ``She will run it on her ear.''
Mackay has no immediate plans for Lilley Criminal but is especially pleased about the bitch's success because she is owned by Allen Williams.
``Allen has poured a lot of money into buying greyhounds for big amounts,'' Jason said.
``And on top of that he is a major sponsor of our sport.
``He organised for his company, Vitalize Landscapes, to do the landscaping at Richmond free of charge.
``How good is that? If anyone deserves success as an owner it's someone like Allen.''
JEFF COLLERSON
|
 |
Miagi's Cup A Record Breaker
SUPER stayer Miagi maintained his unbeaten record since stepping up from sprint distances with a record breaking win in tonight’s Sydney Cup (720m) at Wentworth Park.
Some five months after his life, let alone a racing career, was in jeopardy after being savaged by a stray dog outside a Newcastle veterinary clinic in May, he demoralised a field which included National Distance Champion Flashing Floods and multiple track record holder Miss Brook in 42.03.
The previous mark, jointly held by Royal Riddle and Texas Gold at 42.07, had not been threatened for two years. It was then set when, ironically, Royal Riddle won the Sydney Cup in 2005 from Texas Gold.
Only three weeks earlier Texas Gold had bettered Total Denial’s 42.13 offering posted in March 2002.
From box seven, Miagi was untroubled to lead at the first turn and the contest was as good as in the record books. Lyn’s Daisy held second position for more than 600m but was overhauled by Miss Brook in the latter stages.
So dominant was Miagi, his advantage at the finish – a clear 9-1/4 lengths – was widening with every stride. The win was his ninth from just 18 starts and his second track record (Maitland’s 565m being the other).
Trainer Warren Harper once thought he had many choices with Miagi’s upcoming racing schedule.
The Sir John Dillon Memorial at Sandown is the next staying feature on the calendar (October 11) but the Newcastle Cup arrives only two weeks later and Harper is likely to save the son of Hallucinate for $15,000 to the winner Cup over the $25,000 feature in Melbourne.
And the October 27 heats of the Hume Cup, again in Melbourne at The Meadows, falls between the head and final of the Newcastle event.
Seven top grade staying events, back-to-back in a matter of eight weeks across three states, is far from ideal scheduling.
Miagi is a star, possibly the supreme racing animal – of all three codes - in this country.
The spring and summer of 2007 should be Miagi’s time to shine but will he get his chance with such a crazy national schedule?
|
 |
|