By MICHAEL FLOYD
Banjo Boy returned to his brilliant best with a stunning win in his heat of the Group 2 Berwick Mazda Harrison-Dawson at Sandown Park on Thursday evening.
The striking white and black chaser began well from box 8, sweeping around the field to lead through the first turn and powering to a two-and-three-quarter length victory in 29.34 seconds.
The win was particularly satisfying for respected Tooradin-based mentor Ken Virtue who has had to deal with several issues with the greyhound.
“To qualify for this race is very satisfying,” he said.
“I was disappointed with his runs at the Meadows (during the Australian Cup Carnival in February). He had a little problem with a ligament but he wasn’t quite the same dog, just didn’t have the same drive.”
Having taken a break from the track (and fulfilling limited stud duties), Banjo Boy resumed with a win in modest time on a heavy Warragul track. The run left Virtue uncertain as to where the greyhound was in his preparation.
“I had a fair idea where he was but I had to be sure so I gave him a trial here (at Sandown) last Saturday. He went very well which gave me a lot of confidence that he was back to somewhere near his best.”
Joining Banjo Boy in next Thursday’s $145,000 final is Tyronimo which caused the upset of the night in defeating reigning TAB Melbourne Cup champion Black Magic Opal, Group 3 Bert Bryan Memorial winner Musqin Bale, and the exciting Mepunga Melachi which came from last to win his heat.
The $145,000 Group 2 Harrison-Dawson pays homage to the club’s two longest serving chairmen – Henry Harrison and Geoff Dawson. The race is restricted to male greyhounds and is run concurrently with the $145,000 Macro Meats Sapphire Crown which is restricted to female greyhounds.
