Jeff Britton and Angela Langton with exciting young chaser Que Sera Sera after its all-the-way win in the Sapphire Crown last Thursday.By Brad Kingsbury
THE first race in Sandown Park’s Super Dog series, the Group 1 Sapphire Crown, was won in style by Angela Langton’s Que Sera Sera, which led the high-class final from start to finish.
The race became a benefit for the closely knit greyhound ‘family’ from Anakie with Langton’s exciting young bitch proving too good for her brother-in-law Robert Britton’s second place-getter One Tree Hill and her partner Jeff Britton’s Tasman Queen, which finished third.
Cranbourne speed machine Miss Hot Gossip started as favourite after getting a late call-up as a reserve when Dr Lorian was scratched, and was shooting for a $10,000 bonus after taking the first leg of a feature double for bitches, the Group 1 Laurels, several weeks ago.
Que Sera Sera, a $4.60 chance, sprung from box eight and crossed the high-class field to lead and control the race from the outset.
Miss Hot Gossip was caught in traffic and remained midfield while One Tree Hill avoided trouble and assumed second place at the first turn.
The brindle bitch maintained a one-and-half-length margin in the run to the line and won in a time of 29.91 seconds with One Tree Hill a length-and-a-half ahead of Tasman Queen and Miss Hot Gossip in fourth place.
Jeff Britton handled Que Sera Sera on behalf of Langton who is heavily pregnant, with both saying they were hopeful of the dog’s chances before the race.
“I was pretty confident. She drew box eight and that’s where she wants to be. I thought if she led she would always be a big chance,” Langton said.
“I was a little bit worried when the reserve, Miss Hot Gossip, went in and if she got to the front we may not run her down, but with Que Sera Sera’s early pace I thought if she could lead she’d win.”
The experienced trainer said that speed-wise Que Sera Sera was not yet the best she’d had, but if she kept improving she had the potential to reach great heights.
Langton said the dog’s next aim would be the Group 1 Melbourne Cup.
“She’s only a pup and this was a good chance to put her in a good race,” she said.
“Sandown is a lovely safe track to race on and she loves it here. We’ll go on to the Melbourne Cup now and see how she handles that.”
It was Que Sera Sera 12th career victory from 22 starts, and the $50,000 first prize took her career prize money beyond $100,000.
The Group 1 race highlighted a night promoted as ladies night at which the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club set aside a significant section of the upstairs table seating for promotions aimed at the female market, including jewellery, massage and health and beauty displays.
