QUEENSLAND’S greyhound racing future – and its proven present – were both on full display as the QGold Rookies and QGold Veterans delivered eight competitive 457m heats.
Emerging youngsters staked their claims with raw speed, while the old guard proved there’s still plenty of strength and savvy among the sport’s most experienced chasers.
Both series now head toward finals at the Q, promising compelling clashes between talent at opposite ends of their careers.
The QGold Rookies series produced four exciting heats, with standout performances from several promising youngsters.
In the opening heat, Mr Lasso, trained by Travis Elson, stepped out as a firm $1.60 favourite on debut – and justified every bit of the confidence.
The well-bred son of Fernando Bale surged clear to post a slick 25.42, the fastest time of the night from the four heats.
The second heat delivered the lone upset of the series, with Hara’s Hasty breaking through at $5.50 after two recent placings.
Heat three saw unbeaten youngster Neame extend his perfect record to three-from-three for trainer Tony Zammit, travelling powerfully throughout.
The final heat went to Cash Cruise, the $1.80 favourite who overcame early trouble from box five before sweeping to the lead on the home turn and pulling away strongly.
With several rising talents in sharp form, the Rookies final shapes as an intriguing showdown of emerging stars.
The QGold Veterans heats showcased the class and consistency of experienced campaigners.
Heat one was claimed by the dependable Hara’s Honda, who flew the lids, crossed to the lead and controlled the race from start to finish for trainer Jemma Daley.The Equalizer x Hara’s Penny bitch won by close to four lengths in a time of 25.36, best of the heats time.
In heat two, Cindy Elson-trained Royal Voltage exploded from the traps and had to dig deep late to keep Shian Quirky at bay to win.
Mandela Hayze took out heat three, using the wide draw in the pink rug to sweep around the field and secure a strong victory for Eric Conroy.
The final heat belonged to Speedy Scrub, the $1.30 favourite who once again proved ultra-reliable, improving her record to 55 starts for 20 wins, 10 seconds and seven thirds for trainer Travis Elson, winning by four lengths.
