By JASON ADAMS
TASMANIAN greyhound Queen Ahmose made the most of her short visit to Victoria, claiming her first win on the mainland last Thursday night at Sandown Park.
Springing from box three to lead the pack first time past the post, Queen Ahmose staved off a late challenge from Zipping Makka to record the best of the night time of 34.47 over the 595m trip.
Queen Ahmose left the Apple Isle in outstanding form, having won eight of her previous 12 starts over distances from 580m to 720m before making the trip to Victoria.
The win was just reward for the training partnership of Rodney and Alison Walker, who had trialled Queen Ahmose and kennel mate Bell Oh Moss at Sandown Park the week before.
“They went really well, I was impressed” Rodney Walker said.
“Bell Oh Moss lead early and Queen Ahmose run her down, she’s super strong this one.”
The trip to Victoria was no vacation for the pair, returning to their home in the town of Bagdad – north of Hobart – on Friday night. However it won’t be the last time we see Queen Ahmose racing in Victoria.
“We will be back – don’t worry about that.”
There are a number of feature events coming up over the middle distance, including Australia’s richest provincial cup, the Group 1 Sale Cup.
The win was Queen Ahmose’s 15th from 36 career starts and the $5750 first prize last Thursday night took her career prize money to $28,370 – highlighting the difference in prize money levels between the two states.
The heats of the Macro Meats Laurels Classic will be run this Thursday night at Sandown Park. As greyhound racing’s version of the Victoria Oaks, the Macro Meats Laurels will feature some of the best female greyhounds in the country aiming for the $50,000 winner’s purse. The final will be run on Thursday 26 December.
