Surely national and probably international Group racing history will be made at the Manawatu Raceway this afternoon where all eight runners in the Group 2, $15,825 Kamada Park North Island Challenge Stakes (race 12) will be provided from the locally based Lisa Cole kennels.
Pictured: Bigtime Paddy who is seeking to add another Group race title to his growing list on Tuesday
Two 457m heats held last week saw Cole qualifying seven of the eight finalists, plus she produced both of the fifth placed runners, therefore providing the reserves bench. The one “outsider”, the Karen Walsh prepared Ridin’ Shotgun, has been subsequently scratched meaning Bigtime Levi moves into the vacated five trap.
Those heats saw the heat winning times being separated by just 100th of a second. It was the ultra consistent big race winning greyhound Bigtime Paddy who completed his heat assignment in 25.96s when he scampered away from his rivals to prevail by a 5.5 length margin.
The dual Group race winning chaser will exit from trap eight in the final, with this winner of $142,520 likely to be assisted by the hard railing No Time Toulouse drawing on his immediate inside. Brendon Cole, who was at the Hatrick Raceway on Friday evening when the kennel brought up 700 winners for the current season, provides his thoughts on Paddy, plus also on all of the kennel runners.
“I feel that this race is Paddy’s to lose. He has been a phenomenal dog being both fast and so consistent. The eight (trap) isn’t is the best for him, but in saying that the way the field is drawn is likely to work in his favour.”
Bigtime Vanessa, who recently won the Group 2 Palmerston North Gold Cup on this track, took out the other heat, clocking 25.97s. She owns both pace and strength, however she isn’t overly suited to drawing the one trap. Ironically her best efforts has been when she’s sighted racing from the middle traps.
“It’s the wrong draw for her cause she’ll move out towards the center of the track, while others are likely to cut inwards. It was a very good heat win by her and she consistently breaks the 26s barrier (457m) at Palmy.”
Bigtime Paddy and Bigtime Vanessa following their respective Kamada Park North Island Challenge Stakes heat wins (pics Georgie Clark, Palmerston North GRC)
Draw wise Cole indicates that Bigtime Jason, who boldly chased after Bigtime Paddy for his second to him, is perhaps the best placed of the kennel runners although he has one obvious reservation. “He will go straight down to the rail, so hopefully he and Vanessa will miss each other. If they do then he’ll race on the rail all the way. He has good, early pace and he has been great dog for us. He has come back okay after having a corn removed from a pad.”
Lunch Special gamely pushed around the outer from the eight trap in his heat and he maintained a solid heat gallop which saw him being out bobbed on the line (by Bigtime Jason) when missing second by a nose margin. “He just needs a little bit of early room to get moving. He’s a very capable dog, who hasn’t had a lot of recent racing luck. His draw (trap three) should be okay for him.”
Bigtime Tears is quickly maturing into a very nice greyhound as seen by her best 25.87s winning 457m time on this track. She has been delivering competitive recent races as seen in her sound 1.5 length heat second to Bigtime Vanessa.
“She is a very promising bitch who is improving all the time. Her age has hindered her restricted age potential (being a May whelp), however she is coming into her own now. We’re very happy with the way she’s progressing and she can feature in this final.”
Bigtime Levi will slot away into the five trap wearing the green and white racing vest. He was held up at a crucial stage in his heat which saw him losing momentum. He fairly flew home late when he missed direct entry into this field by the barest possible margin.
This guy has been starting his races a heck of a lot better than earlier in his career, while he still maintains his strong finish. That makes him a sound looking post race podium prospect here. “He was unlucky in his heat and he was massive in the way he came home. We’ve sorted out a webbing issue we had with him and he’s now racing really good. He can put himself straight into the race here.”
Bigtime Brucie pressed on solidly from a midfield position when he ran on for his 3.25 length heat third behind Bigtime Vanessa. The big concern for him is his kennelmate No Time Toulouse who is anticipated to jam down when he exits from trap six. “Brucie does prefer racing on this track. I like the way he worked his way around the outside for his heat placing – he can run a 26s 457m. It’ll probably be best for him if he slightly misses the jump.”
And that brings us to No Time Toulouse, who as mentioned is likely to hook a hard left turn from the traps if she maintains her known racing habits. She does own early pace and potentially she can clear her inside drawn rivals if she uses that asset, which she must do following her 8.75 length heat fourth to Bigtime Paddy. “She’s going to jam across the face of the field – she does nothing different. Hopefully she pings out which she can do and miss those inside her. She is pacey.”
Brendon Cole confirms that all kennel runners are in tip top shape heading into Tuesday, which means that the kennel second reserve Bigtime Doug will take his place in the race 3 C4/5 457m event. “They’re all good and they all came up our drag during the week really good. They’re spot on for Tuesday,” he advised.
Lisa Cole prepared Kamada Park North Island Challenge Stakes finalists includes from left: Bigtime Jason; Bigtime Levi; Bigtime Tears
By Peter Fenemor
