Navajo Bear has announced himself as a serious contender in this year’s $410,000 Launching Pad series with a dominant heat win.
Navajo Bear speared out of the boxes and set a sharp early split of 5.08. From that moment onwards he showed no signs of stopping, as he went on to defeat race favourite My Redeemer by three lengths in 29.54.
“I knew he was capable, I was hoping he’d do what he did. From box 5 he had to begin well and he began beautifully,” said trainer David Crawford.
The win was Navajo Bear’s first run at Sandown Park since mid-December.
“He hasn’t run over ‘500’ for ages, the last trial he had here he broke 19 (seconds) to the back split so I knew he was going well – his time tonight doesn’t surprise me.
“He was the best of the litter when they were growing up. My wife has always told me once he finishes up he’ll be coming in the house.”
Navajo Bear wasn’t the only greyhound engaged for Crawford, he also had Jacqui Shoshone in heat 1 however she found no luck and will now set her eyes on next week’s Launching Pad Consolation heats.
“I thought Jacqui Shoshone would have gone well but she missed the kick and got taken out of the race early. She’ll get another go at them in the Consolation heats.”
Greyhounds who finish 1st-4th in heats will advance to next week’s semi-finals, 5th-8th will be automatically nominated for the Consolation heats. Both finals will be run on Thursday March 29.
For updates throughout the night follow us on Twitter @sandowndogs
Behind the boxes David Crawford was confident Navajo Bear had his heat in the bag! #LaunchingPad 🚀 pic.twitter.com/cRvSJQwZNw
— Sandown Greyhounds (@sandowndogs) March 15, 2018
