Staying super star Miata held off a gallant Thrilling Brat in a classic Lizrene at Sandown Park last night.
In heavy conditions, Miata ($1.10) began only fairly to trail early leaders Lady Grey and Gold Affair Two by four lengths the first time past the post.
The red fawn super star made her move around the turn, sweeping up to the lamp lighters to take the lead. Trailing her through was kiwi raider and recent Group 1 winner Thrilling Brat, and coming off the back straight, less than a length separated the pair to set up a thrilling run to the line.
Miata showed all the traits that has made her Australia’s favourite greyhound, courageously finding enough to hold out Thrilling Brat by a half head.
The win was Miata’s 14th consecutive victory and the 23rd of her 26 race career. The $10,000 first prize took her career earnings to $289,895.
The race was a mouth watering entree to the RSN Sandown Cup, Australia’s premier staying race, on Thursday 24 May.
In the other feature races on a big night of greyhound racing, Imry Bale continued his rise, winning the Boll Collins Memorial, while Don Chendo capped his preparation for a tilt at defending his Harrison-Dawson title by taking out the Bert Bryant Memorial.
It was also a big night off the track at Sandown Park, with the club announcing prize money increases to its feature races, the highlight being the Melbourne Cup which will now carry $500,000.
