Peter Knott was thrilled yesterday as Especial Shiraz claimed a spot in this Thursday’s 595m grade 5 final.
He was pleasantly surprised to see ‘Normy’ begin well in his heat and lead the field first time past the post. He built a three length break down the back then held off Small Rose to win in 34.32.
It was Especial Shiraz’s first attempt over 595m and first win since taking out a heat of the Launching Pad in March.
“I’m very happy. He was just finding bother early in his races over ‘500’ and I thought this was the right time to step him up in distance,” explained Knott post-race.
Knott left official duties on the day to his daughter, 19-year-old Elise, who experienced her first win as a handler. ‘Norm’ is just one of two racing greyhounds at the family’s Carnegie kennel.
Dutch Legacy and Crackerjack Nath took out the other two heats and have drawn well in the final. The decider is race 4 on Thursday night’s card.
In the race following exciting stayer Bolt Like Bekim returns to Sandown Park for the first time since his impressive 41.58 last month. Out Of Range heads a strong field in race 6 over 595m, with runners getting set for next Thursday’s heats of the McKenna Memorial.
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