Burn One Down will start favourite in next week’s Victorian National Distance final after an incredible display of speed and strength in his heat tonight.
Burn One Down was only fair to begin from box 7 though was strong in holding position in the early stages. Mid-race he began to thread his way through the field and looked the winner a long way out. He then took control turning for home and bounded clear to win by 8 lengths in a scintillating time of 41.37.
“Tonight was probably his best performance yet. He’s still learning – he needs another 6-8 races to really find his feet,” said trainer Jason Thompson.
“He doesn’t like it out wide but he’s learnt to go around dogs – although he was a long way back he picked them off really well when coming through the field. In the past he would run into the back of dogs but now he’s prepared to go around them – the run was just what he needed.”
Although the win was just three lengths off Miata’s track record, Thompson revealed that we are yet to see the best of his freakish stayer.
“I know he can run quicker.
“I don’t care if he runs 42.30 as long as he runs well, though it was good to see him run a bit of time tonight.”
Reigning National Distance winner Lady Toy took out the second heat from a gallant Ringer – her 27th placing from 38 starts at Sandown Park.
Ring The Bell took out the final heat for the in-form Gerry O’Keeffe kennel, defeating Son Of Bekim in 41.99.
The winner of next week’s final will represent Victoria in the AGRA National Distance final at Angle Park on Saturday 27 August.
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Burn One Down sets a flying 41.37
