Xylia Allen confirmed her status as one of the most exciting greyhounds in the country when she sensationally won the Macro Meats Sapphire Crown in one of the runs of the year at Sandown Park tonight.
The youngest runner in the race, Xylia Allen ($5.20) entered her seventh Group final on the back of an eye catching win her heat a week prior. Boom Sydney sprint Punch One Out that was sent to the boxes a $2.90 favourite, but it was El Brooklyn ($5.50) who upstaged the pair to lead through the first turn.
Punch One Out took off in pursuit of the lamp lighter ahead of kennel mate Sometimes Speedy ($7.90), while Xylia Allen overcame a tardy start to position itself in midfield down the back straight.
Punch One Out displayed her trade mark turn of foot to claim the lead approaching the home turn, however Xylia Allen, who had taken a split between runners, unleashed one of the most exciting finishing bursts seen on a greyhound track this year to sweep past the leaders and claim the $100,000 winner’s cheque.
Xylia Allen’s time of 29.48 all the more remarkable given the heavy conditions.
“Her run home is sensation, probably the best in Australia,” said handler Joe Briffa.
“When she was about three or four lengths off Punch One Out I thought she’d come right into it, but one of the other dogs clipped her heels and put off stride. I thought ‘uh oh’ but she’s got one of the best finishes in the business.”
It was trainer Graeme Bate’s first win in the Macro Meats Sapphire Crown, further enhancing the Hall Of Fame trainer’s reputation as one of Australia’s best big race conditioners.
“He’s one of the best trainers in the business, no doubt. He’s just unbelievable.”
The win was Xylia Allen’s second at Group level and the 12th from 28 career starts overall, taking her career prize money to $184,010.
