Looming is an intriguing July 18 $7,000 NZRS Novice Final at Ascot Park judging by the three competitive 457m heats witnessed on Tuesday that decided the final field.

Pictured: Trainer Jason Dunn with Ketchikan Blue, the fastest of the three Southland NZRS Novice 457m heat winners (pic Dave Robbie)

Ketchikan Blue (prepared by Jason Dunn) delivered the quickest heat time when this son of Cosmic Rumble and Molly Paisley completed his 457m assignment in a tidy 26.12s.

He controlled the pace throughout and gamely fended off the strong late challenge thrown at him by the warm race favourite, Trumped, by a three quarter length margin. Trumped put in a huge effort for his second placing after the Dave and Jean Fahey trained youngster completely bombed the race start. Avalanche City, from the John McInerney kennels, claimed the third position on the post race podium, finishing a further 2.75 lengths behind.

Earlier we saw Opawa Tab for the Fahey’s produce her eye catching 26.14s heat win. This daughter of Fabregas and Token Kay justified her strong support when, after being slowly away from trap eight, she angled down to the rail from where she cleared away from her rivals.

She held a comfortable 2.75 length margin over the locally Roy Hamilton trained Southern Honey who booked her return for the final by racing handy to the pace throughout. Granny Magnet was sighted doing his best work over the concluding stages for Dunn when he arrived home another two lengths astern.

Junk Mail quickly pushed forward onto the early pace after jumping from the lousy five trap for his conditioners Robin Wales and Josh Lane. The son of Barcia Bale and Jinja Power was rewarded for using that smart tactic when he stylishly landed his heat win in 26.23s.

Dunn enjoyed a successful afternoon as he also qualified Charlie Runkel who, after taking the early race lead after jumping from trap eight, went wide when rounding the bend. He balanced up for the run home, arriving 1.25 lengths behind the heat winner. El Narco was another heat contender for the Fahey’s who kicked on stoutly, which saw him winding up in third a further 3.75 lengths behind.

 
Southland NZRS Novice heat winner Opawa Tab with handler Nathan Breen, while his grandfather Robin Wales was involved in the preparation of heat winner Junk Mail – pics supplied by Dave Robbie - drobbie@ihug.co.nz – 021 607 869 for all your South Island race photos

By Peter Fenemor