Greyhound racing’s sweet heart, the mighty Western Australian chaser Miata, reminded racing fans why she is regarded as the best stayer of her era by winning her heat of the RSN Sandown Cup at Sandown Park tonight.
First up over 715m after a three month injury lay off, the red fawn super star began well but settled third behind Gold Affair Two and Alpe D’Huez.
After a circuit of the track, the $1.40 favourite had failed to take any ground off the leaders. However with the crowd urging her on, she displayed the courage that has won the hearts of racing fans throughout the country, switching to the outside and claiming a hard fought victory over the fast finishing Steve Allen in 42.39.
Despite the time being more than a second outside of the track record she posted in a heat of the RSN Sandown Cup 12 months earlier, trainer Paul Stuart was very happy with the run.
“I thought she was struggling there for a while and that she might have been in a bit of strife, but she kept plugging away. She exceeded my expectations getting home like that so I’m more than happy with the run,” said Stuart.
“It’s been a rushed preparation so hopefully it hasn’t taken too much out of her and she’s right for next week.”
Miata will need to be at the top of her game in next week’s final, with defending RSN Sandown Cup champion Irma Bale reminding all that she would again be a force to be reckoned with.
Jumping brilliantly from box 8, Irma Bale led all of the way to defeat Maddison Dee by three lengths in best of night 41.92.
Irma Bale had run in the first two at her previous six starts, however her defeat in her last start in a Group 3 final over 600m at Albion Park gave punters cause for concern. A change in routine was the explanation for the turn around in form.
“She stayed up there for a week which we don’t normally do. The heat and the different climate and surroundings affected her,” said kennel representative Joe Briffa.
“The thing about Irma is that she loves this track. She didn’t want to get beaten tonight, just kept trying and trying and found the line with gusto.”
Destini Fireball powered into his fifth Group 1 final with a commanding 3.5 length win over Reckless Charm in 42.21.
Trainer Norm Rinaldi did his best to keep a lid on his expectations.
“It’s hard to keep the good stayers up because it’s so hard to get races.
“I expect him to be a lot better for the run tonight.”
The final heat of the night went to the bold front running stayer Proven Impala. Setting the best early sectionals of all the heats, Proven Impala defeated multiple Group race winner Bell Haven by 2.75 lengths in 42.06.
Winning trainer Joe Borg was delighted with the run.
“I was really concerned about the rain. She wants the rail and that was the worst going but she just kept going. I’m amazed at the time given the conditions.
“She’s getting stronger at the end, but next week will be the test for her. It’s a fantastic field and that’s what greyhound racing is all about at this level, and I’m just proud to be a part of it.”
The box draw for Thursday night’s $177,500 RSN Sandown Cup final will be conducted live on RSN – Racing and Sport from 7.30am on Monday 20 May.
All patrons on course for the final will have the opportunity to participate in The Dog, The Money or The Box – hosted by Eddie McGuire and Jaimee Rogers – and share in $120,000 in cash and prizes.
