Kayla Cottrell says Fernando Bluey is in perfect order and ready to put his best paw forward in the final of the $145,000 group 1 Harrison-Dawson at Sandown Park tonight.
Fernando Bluey showed his trademark early speed in his heat, running 5.02 to the first mark in what was his first start in five weeks after picking up a minor injury during his Golden Easter Egg campaign. That lack of race fitness found him out late as Catch The Thief flashed home to claim the victory.
Second place was enough for him to qualify for tonight’s final and Cottrell believes he’ll be better for that run.
“He’s good,” she said on the RSN Sandown Cup Preview Podcast.
“He’s pulled up good and I can’t fault him, he’s ready to go.”
It was his first defeat in five starts at Sandown Park, a track on which he claimed the listed Australia Sprint in January when clocking a brilliant 29.14. He ran a gallant second to superstar Tommy Shelby in the TAB Australian Cup at The Meadows soon after and has been among the Harrison-Dawson favourites since markets opened in late February.
He enters tonight’s final the $6.50 third elect after coming up with box 7. Despite the wide draw and abundant speed in the race, Cottrell believes ‘Bluey’ can make his own luck.
“It’s all up to him, we know what the dog can do and the ability he’s got. Hopefully he can make his own race out there.
“The draw doesn’t worry me. He’s a dog that can do it from any box, he’s got that natural speed about him. It’s all up to him, there’s nothing more I can do but put him in the box and just hope.”
Shima Shine ($2.40) is a firm favourite for the race after running a scintillating 29.003 in his heat, with Tiggerlong Tonk ($3.70) a well-supported second favourite after he also lit up the clock in his heat (29.100). The Harrison-Dawson will be the 9th occasion that the pair have met in a group final.
The Harrison-Dawson is the second leg of a group 1 double bill at Sandown Park tonight with the $145,000 Sapphire Crown final also to be run, while four heats of the $250,000 RSN Sandown Cup – the world’s premier distance race – round out a stellar night of racing.
Click here for details of where to catch tonight’s racing. The first of 12 races will jump at 6.04pm.
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