Xylia Allen took another step towards the Australian prize money record with a thrilling win in the $58,000 Group 2 McKenna Memorial at Sandown Park tonight.
Sent to the boxes a $1.10 favourite, Xylia Allen was last out of the boxes but railed well to find herself third behind early leader Great Spartacus ($33.20) and Tarks Nemesis ($23.40) passing the winning post the first time.
Down the back, Xylia Allen drove through beneath Tarks Nemesis and set off in pursuit of the lamp lighter. However Great Spartacus refused to give in, extending his lead approaching the home turn before shifting off the rail to allow Xylia Allen a passage through, an opening she pounced on and powered to a 1¼ length in 34.12 seconds.
“She missed the kick and was last at one stage, but she worked her way through the field and did what she had to do,” said handler Joe Briffa.
Despite the tardy start, Briffa never lost faith in the superstar.
“I was pretty confident once she lobbed second or third at the winning post the first time I thought she’d be right. She took a while to get there though – it was a great run by the second dog no doubt about it – but tonight she showed her champion qualities.”
Tonight’s $40,000 first prize took her career prize money beyond $674,000 and to within $42,000 of Miata’s Australian prize money record. The win was her seventh on end and 35th from 71 career starts and enhanced her reputation as the Queen of Sandown Park.
Xylia Allen has made 19 starts over all distances at the venue, winning 10 and being placed in five others. She has competed in seven feature finals, winning at least one over each distance – the Group 1 Sapphire Crown and Group 3 Shootout (515m), Group 2 McKenna Memorial (595m) and Listed Cup Night Stayers (715m). She has won $247,180 at Sandown Park alone.
“She just loves coming here,” Briffa continued.
“I don’t know what it is but whenever we come here she’s wagging her tail. She was a little off her best tonight, but she’s a champion and one of the best ever.”
Xylia Allen will have a brief let up before aiming for the Group 2 Distance Championship at The Meadows, where if successful in the final, will become the highest earning greyhound in the history of the sport.
Click here for full results from the Macro Meats McKenna Memorial.
Xylia Allen claims her fourth Sandown Park feature win in the Group 2 Macro Meats McKenna Memorial
