A number of Crocmedia National Championship contenders had their final hit out between races at Sandown Park tonight, with glamour stayer Tornado Tears stealing the show with a stunning 29.264 trial over 515m.
The win moved him to third place on the 515m Speed Star leader board (he tops the leader board over both the 595m and 715m distances) and has firmed from $1.75 into $1.60 with tab.com.au.
Five Nationals contenders trialled between races during the night, here’s what connections had to say.
After race 1
Buckle Up Rose, Tasmania Sprint Champion
515m Time: 29.95 (5.18, 19.28)
“She needed a look at the track. It was her first time on a plane heading over here, we hope she’ll be better for the experience ahead of next week,” said caretaker Ray Shiells.
After race 2
West On Augie, Western Australia Sprint Champion
515m Time: 29.73 (5.13, 19.09)
“I was a bit disappointed with how he began. He went 5.13 to the first split, he can go 5 flat. I think after this experience he’ll be much better placed for next Friday,” said kennel representative Peter Riley.
After race 3
Sky Wave, New South Wales Sprint Champion
515m Time: 29.82 (5.24, 19.21)
“I thought she’d go a little better. It’s a big ask to fly down here and perform well. She’s settled in well down here and will be better for tonight’s run,” said caretaker John Galea.
After race 4
Poco Dorado, New South Wales Distance Champion
715m Time: 41.79 (6.27, 16.01, 30.75)
“She was good tonight. Impressive to see her put a run like that together in her first look. It’s a big ask next week, but she will give her all,” said caretaker Terry Reid.
After race 5
Tornado Tears, Victoria Distance Champion
515m Time: 29.264 (5.23, 18.99)
“It is just mind-boggling. Once he broke 19 seconds to the back split I thought to myself ‘here we go’. That’s topped him off for next week, he’s happy within himself and ready to race,” said kennel representative Peter Riley.
On Wednesday afternoon, Queensland’s staying representative Double Gee trialled over the first three sections from 715m, while on Thursday night their sprinter Maurice Minor ran within a half length of the Albion Park 395m track record, stopping the clock in 22.33 seconds.
The 2018 Crocmedia National Championships will be run at Sandown Park on Friday 24 August, Click here for details.
Click here for the final trial results of all Crocmeda National Championship finalists
