JEFF Crawford’s kennel was the standout story of last Thursday night’s racing at Q1 Lakeside, as his runners fired across both the $45,000 Ipswich Futurity and $45,000 Ipswich Derby heats.
Over 10 fiercely contested heats, Crawford’s team proved unstoppable, producing a dominant display that firmly established his kennel as the one to beat heading into next week’s feature finals.
Crawford’s winning streak began in the third heat of the Ipswich Futurity when Hooked on Kisses delivered a classy run to victory.
The kennel doubled up immediately in the next heat, as Kisses For Me chased down All Dressed Up to score in style.
“They both went fantastic as I went into both races with no expectations,” Crawford said.
“Very happy to have both girls into their first group final next week in what may be an even final.”
The night continued to sparkle for Crawford in the Ipswich Derby heats.
Star performer Validate justified his $1.65 favouritism in the second heat, making it six wins and a third from eight runs over the 457m.
Just one race later, kennel-mate Miles On It delivered an inspiring comeback win after falling in the Capalaba Cup Final last week.
“Validate seems to love the Q1 circuit winning six from eight now with impressive times in many of those wins,” Crawford said.
“Miles On It was super impressive given five days prior had a sensational tumble at Capalaba.”
While the fourth Derby heat went to Grevillea, it was something special – as the Aston Rupee x Bush Blossom chaser smashed the track record.
“Grevillia was simply superb,” Crawford said.
“Very hard to beat in anything he goes in and next week’s final is no exception.
“Box draw will be super important.”
Outside the Crawford kennel, Zipping Lipa (Tom Tzouvelis) took the first Futurity heat, Canya Romance (Andrew Mulrine) extended her winning streak to five in the second, and Oxidisation (John Catton) claimed the fifth.
In the Derby, Fire Me Up and Unruly Boy also booked their spots in the highly anticipated finals.
With four heat victories, Jeff Crawford leaves Q1 Lakeside as the trainer in form as his kennel’s power, precision, and depth have set the stage for a thrilling Ipswich Finals night tonight.
