The margin for error in greyhound racing is very fine, exceptionally fine. A stumble upon leaving the Manawatu 457m traps by the favourite Amorini in Monday’s $7,500 NZRS Novice final saw him losing all claims. Making a smart start from trap five was Born Quick and he was never overtaken afterwards when he cruised to his 26.16s win.
Pictured: Monday’s Manawatu NZRS Novice winner Born Quick with his handler Josh Lane (pic Manawatu GRC)
Born Quick has always displayed potential for his trainer Robin Wales and his owning Opawa Racing team. This son of Fabregas and Opawa Born secured the $1,990 winning stake, plus also the $1,990 Breeders bonus payment for the Opawa team who were deservedly rewarded for their extensive breeding investments.
Born Quick made no mistake when the 457m traps lifted, beginning smartly from the five trap. From that point he dictated terms to his rivals which transpired into his comfortable two length victory. Born Quick’s litter brother won earlier in the afternoon when Dave and Jean Fahey produced Mr. Matt to win his 457m event in 26.15s.
The Fahey’s provided two finalists with litter brothers from the promising March 2017 whelped Barcia Bale – Unshaken litter. Jinja Shake carried the red racing vest, while Sausage was sighted in the green and white first reserve colours from the six trap.
However it was Lucky James, from the inform Marcie Flipp kennels, who led the chase after the pacemaker after he jumped from trap two. Sausage had settled just in behind them, while Jinja Shake encountered some traffic problems when heading into the turn.
Born Quick was off and gone and he had victory in sight when they swung in for the long run home up the Manawatu straight. The race was on for the minor stakes, which saw Jinja Shake, who had moved out wide, punch home strongly to snatch the runners up prize. In doing so he cut Lucky James, who is a son of Winsome Bucks and Opawa Michelle, back into third who was three quarters of length behind and he held a half length margin over Sausage who was the next to arrive.
As commentator Mark Rosanowski said in his post race wrap it was the fawn coloured head of Amorini that was the first sighted at trap rise. Unfortunately he then stumbled, spread-eagling himself. It was a terrible way for this talented son of Barcia Bale and Katcha Fire to lose his unbeaten record. Make no mistake about it – this Ben Craik trained youngster will quickly bounce back into winning form.
However the moment belonged to Born Quick who has now been to the races on 21 occasions. He has won six of those, while placing in another seven which all adds up to $14,326 in stake earnings. That tally can be expected to quickly increase.
The full Manawatu NZRS Novice podium with winner Born Quick being joined by runner up Jinja Shake and the third placed Lucky James (pic Palmerston GRC). Born Quick’s mum Opawa Born
By Peter Fenemor
