By JASON ADAMS
SECRET Spell continued her recent hot run of form on Thursday evening when she took out the TAB Rewards free-for-all.
Renowned for her early speed, Secret Spell sprung out of box four to lead around the first bend and then extended her margin down the back straight.
The fast finishing Caustic Bale threatened danger in the closing stages, however he was no match for Secret Spell as she went on to win by a length in a fast time of 29.29.
Trainer Kelly Bravo was pleased with the run though not surprised by the impressive time set.
“Once she finds the front she’s pretty hard to catch – I knew she was capable of running good time as she’s ran 29.26 at the track before,” said Bravo.
“I didn’t think there was as much pace from greyhounds on her inside as there was last week – she’s racing full of confidence at the moment.”
The win was Secret Spell’s 15th from just 26 career starts, escalating her prize money total to $122,405.
“We tried her over 600m in hope she would gain some confidence – the way she’s racing at the moment I don’t think it matters what box she draws.”
Her run of good form couldn’t have come at a better time, with heats of the age restricted Group 1 Maturity Classic just three weeks away.
“Luckily she just scrapes in for the Maturity by a week – we’re going to keep her nice and fresh until then.”
Secret Spell is no stranger to Group class racing, having won the Group 3 Puppy Classic at Cranbourne and was a finalist in the Group 2 Ballarat Cup.