Neo Cleo collects Easter Gift


Neo Cleo claimed the group 3 Easter Gift at Sandown Park last night in a dazzling display of speed and strength.

Fittingly donning the ‘wings’ emblazoned red vest, Neo Cleo pinged from the inside box to take a commanding lead through the first turn. Perennial Speed Star contender Dyna Patty worked her way around the field to close to within a length of Neo Cleo down the back straight but was unable to get any closer as the Sale Cup winner went on to clinch her second group race victory in a slick time of 29.39.

It was her second start for leading trainer Robert Britton and kennel foreman Peter Riley couldn’t be more pleased her.

“She’s a talented greyhound, a proven group race performer,” he said.

“We’ve had her for two starts now for two wins. We’ve had a bit of luck with box draws but she’s got the ability and got the clean run, that’s all we can ask.”

It was Neo Cleo’s 30th victory and the $25,000 first prize took her career earnings beyond $269,000. Eight of those victories have come from the inside draw, and coming up with box 1 proved pivotal against a field that featured four group 1 winners.

“She jumped well and went nice and quick early (5.06 to the first split).

“There was a bit of trouble behind her, but good dogs win good races and if when you’re out in front and there’s trouble behind then the others are going to struggle.”

Neo Cleo has proven an exceptionally versatile chaser over her 69 career starts winning over 515m and 595m at Sandown Park and placed in quick time over 715m, presenting connections with a number options ahead of the Sandown Autumn Carnival. Riley was non-committal as to which feature Neo Cleo will be set for but suggested a sprinting campaign is most likely.

“We’re taking it one day at a time with her at the moment. I’d say she’s probably not ready for the middle distance just yet but that’ll be up to the boss.”

The Sandown Autumn Carnival kicks off with the Speed Star on Sunday 5 May with the Speed Star match race series over each distance, followed by the Sapphire Crown (515m for female greyhounds), Harrison-Dawson (515m for male greyhounds) and the world’s richest race for the stayers, the $250,000 RSN Sandown Cup. The final for all three group 1 finals will be run on Friday 24 May.

Later in the night, Tauwitchere won the final of the $432,000 Launching Pad series in sensational fashion, leading all of the way from box 7 to claim the $150,000 first prize for trainer Steve White and owner Kirin Corby. White and Corby also combined to take out the Launching Pad Consolation with Sennachie, capping a memorable three weeks for connections.

Click here for full results.

 

Neo Cleo (1) leads from go to whoa to win the group 3 Easter Gift

 

 

Mick Floyd
About Mick Floyd - Mick is the Racing and Media Manager at Sandown Park and has 15 years of experience in the sport. He has a finely tuned talent for finding three legs of a quaddie. You can follow his ramblings on Twitter - @mickfloyd
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