The pace was sure on all the way in both of the NZRS Advanced heats held at the Manawatu Raceway on Monday afternoon. Both heats saw the 26-second 457m barrier on the big, sweeping track being broken which sees six Bigtime prefix named greyhounds from the local Lisa Cole based kennels qualifying for next Monday’s $12,000 final.

Pictured: Bigtime Wendle, who was the fastest of the NZRS Advanced heat winners

It was Bigtime Caleb who flew away from the one trap to set up a torrid pace in the first heat. He was boldly chased after by his kennelmate Bigtime Twinkle and it was she who mastered the pacemaker during the run home to claim her 25.94s heat win by a half-length margin.

Sitting just in behind the pace and kicking on solidly for his third placing was Bigtime Doug a further 1.25 lengths behind and he held a half length advantage over the strong finishing Idol Tom. The Marcie Flipp trained chaser had made a moderate start. Bigtime Zack was the fifth placed finisher and he’ll occupy the first possie on the reserves bench.

Bigtime Wendle fairly pinged away from the seven trap in the second heat and she was never seriously challenged when she cruised to her 25.93s heat win. Thomas William made a better start in this event, settling in the midfield. He extended strongly during the run home to claim his bold second placing 1.5 lengths behind for his conditioner David Denbee.

Also sighted putting in some big late bounds to nail his third placing just a further three quarters of a length back was Bigtime Levi. Bigtime Tears had chased the pace setter around the bend and she whacked away solidly another neck astern. Errol Duganzich provides the second reserve with his fifth placed All About Space.

  
Finalists for next Monday’s Palmerston North hosted NZRS Advanced final includes (from left): Bigtime Twinkle; Idol Tom; Bigtime Tears

By Peter Fenemor