Comeback kid Shadale rounded out tonight’s Victorian Crocmedia National Sprint heats with an exciting come from behind win.
Up Hill Jill led early with the heavily supported Orson Allen in pursuit. Orson Allen mounted his challenge in the last few strides but it was Shadale who swamped down the outside to win.
Trainer Jimmy Redenbach is typically calm after race wins, but on this occasion he was full of smiles and couldn’t have been prouder of Shadale’s efforts.
“I thought he was gone when he got checked down the back. He was really fresh coming in to this race. We’ll go to the beach every day and he’ll be cherry ripe for next week,” said Redenbach.
Earlier this year Shadale was considered retired after dropping a back muscle. He has since competed in a Speed Star and now finds himself with a chance to book a spot in the group 1 National Sprint final.
Poke The Bear was the fastest winner of the four heats with a slick 29.31. He began well and asserted control mid-race before going on to win comfortably. It continued his stellar record from box 1, his eighth win from 9 attempts.
He was one of two winners for Seona Thompson and her team after Big Flood took out the opening heat of the night ahead of Wise Piquet.
Lila Bale’s strength shone through when she came from mid-field to defeat Hasten Slowly in win heat.
The top two from each heat advance to next week’s Victorian National Sprint final. The winner and runner-up will book their place in the Crocmedia National Sprint final at Sandown Park on Friday August 24.
All state finals will be run next Thursday night with showcase coverage to be shown on Sky Racing 2 – which will be free for all Foxtel subscribers. You can also hear in-depth coverage throughout the night on RSN – Racing & Sport.
In the Crocmedia National Distance series, Rippin’ Sam bounced back to the winners list in phenomenal fashion, coming from last to set the fifth fastest run ever over the 715m at Sandown Park. He will be joined in next week’s Victorian Distance final by litter brother Tornado Tears who maintained his undefeated record over the 715m journey when winning his heat.
Click here for a wrap of the Victorian Distance heats
Click here for the results from tonight’s meeting
Click here for all Nationals news
TAB has installed Big Flood as the $3.50 favourite to win the Vctorian Final. Click here for the latest market.
Box draws are complete for next week's Victorian Sprint and Distance deciders.
— Sandown Greyhounds (@sandowndogs) August 2, 2018
Top two from each will don the Big V in the @Crocmedia #Nationals18 finals! pic.twitter.com/oH3DcojYL1
