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  • Friday, 13 Dec, 2019,
  • by Molly Haines

One thousand reasons to love Tonk

A 25.58sec run in a heat of the Group 1 Hobart Thousand last night has put 21-month-old Tiggerlong Tonk on the map for trainer Correy Grenfell.

Tiggerlong Tonk showed his customary dash once he hit the ground from box eight, a box trainer Correy Grenfell has grown used to in Hobart.

“I have had box eight three times at Hobart. Orson Allen drew the pink in his heat and final of the Thousand last year and I am hoping for the same with Tonk,” trainer Correy Grenfell said.

‘Tonk’ made the trip to Hobart last week in preparation for the Hobart Thousand heats under the care of young trainer Blake Pursell.

“I thought the run to the first corner at Hobart would really suit him because of his brilliant speed,” Grenfell said.

Having trialled 25.65sec first look at the track last week, Grenfell did expect a slightly faster time than his 25.58sec BON over the 461-metre distance.

WATCH: Tiggerlong Tonk win his Hobart Thousand heat from box eight.

Since the age of 15 months, Grenfell knew he had something special with Tonk who trialled a couple of lengths off Orson Allen during the same trial session.

“I still think there is improvement in this dog as he is just learning how to run.”

Improvement is a given for Tonk when he faces his toughest test to date in next week’s Group 1 Hobart Thousand.

The challenge only gets tougher with Victorian star Hooked On Scotch in the race.

Hooked On Scotch was beaten by fellow Victorian Grey Ghost in their Hobart Thousand heat.

“The box draw is everything,” Grenfell said.

“It is hard to see how the race will pan out without the box draw but I can tell you that I don’t want Hooked On Scotch too close to Tonk in the home straight on Thursday.”

The box draw for the $75,000-to-the-winner Group 1 Hobart Thousand will be conducted on Saturday night during the clubs Hall Of Fame dinner.

The field for the 2019 Hobart Thousand is as follows (not in box draw order).

Leica Prayer                        Jillian Stamford

Stop Line                              Jillian Stamford

Grey Ghost                         Jeffrey Britton

Hooked On Scotch           Jason Thompson

Raging Ralston                   Edward Medhurst

Stanley Gordon                 Edward Medhurst

Tiggerlong Tonk                Correy Grenfell

Atley Quick                         Sonia Martin

Reserves

Peco Can                              Robin Grubb

Black Taxi                            Rodney Walker

Molly HainesMolly Haines

Molly Haines

Communication Assistant at Greyhound Racing Victoria with 16 years of experience working with greyhounds in all capacities.

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