TWO heats of the Group 3 Young Guns over 457m at Q1 Lakeside delivered a high-quality preview of Australia’s emerging greyhound talent, with standout performances from local hopes She’s All Fire and Salsa setting the tone for Saturday’s finals.
In the first heat, favourite She’s All Fire ($2.05) produced a commanding all-the-way victory for trainer Tony Brett, exploding from the boxes to take control early before dictating terms.
The promising bitch quickly asserted herself around the first bend and never relented, powering clear to win by five lengths.
“She’s been winning, but probably a little below what we know she can do,” Brett said.
“She’s really strong and that’s her perfect setup – jump well, lead and finish strongly.”
The second heat saw unbeaten chaser Salsa extend her perfect record for trainer Greg Stella, again showcasing her trademark early speed and race control.
“Very nice to see her jumping well again and improve her overall time,” Stella said.
Her growing reputation has also drawn praise from rival trainer Tony Brett, who did not hold back in his assessment.
“I haven’t seen a dog as good as her at nailing the starts and being so strong over the trip,” Brett said.
“My bitch is good, but little Salsa hasn’t put a foot wrong yet.”
The opening heat of the boys’ series was taken out by Victoria raider Dramatical, trained by Jason Thompson and handled locally by Tony Brett, who justified $1.70 favouritism with a strong finishing performance.
“I still think there’s more left in the tank with him,” Brett said.
Heat two went to local favourite Neame, trained by Tony Zammit, who controlled the race from the outset.
“You know he’s (Neame) going to lead – that’s the first worry,” Brett said.
“If you could pick the perfect dog, it’s one that jumps in front and keeps going.”
Heat three produced another strong front-running display from Big Al’s, who defied $2.15 favourite Winsome Jet to score, recording his 10th win from 13 starts over the distance.
Heat four was taken out by $3.80 favourite Exequiel, who produced a composed and professional performance to progress through the series.
The night’s biggest upset came in the final heat, where $18 outsider Doogie McGraw produced a determined all-the-way victory to close the program.
“We’re in for a great carnival,” Brett said.
