Queensland’s premier metropolitan greyhound track at Albion Park last night held the final of the 2009 Young Guns series, with the Malcolm Dawson-trained Gnarley Boy taking out the title to become the Sunshine State’s best young speedster.
The promising Gnarley Boy ($6) ran a sharp 30.17 seconds over the 520m, defeating the Paul Cauchi-trained Pure Surf ($8) by one-and-a-quarter lengths with the race favourite, Ron Ball’s Mr. Metz ($2.15) coming in an extremely close third.
Mr. Metz jumped well from box three, setting the pace to lead through the first section, but he tiered towards the end losing the lead fighting on bravely for third.
The winning time was not quite as impressive as Gnarley Boy’s 29.92 heat victory, but the son of Where’s Pedro – Suna Silence still proved to be the best dog on the night in the $10 000 to-the-winner final.
Gnarley Boy now boasts two feature race victories at Albion Park, his other was in the Eric Thomson Maiden back in April, and a career record of seven wins from 24 starts.
Gnarley Boy will now travel down to NSW to compete in the heats of the St Leger at The Gardens, Dawson choosing the age restricted race above the Group 1Brisbane Cup for his new star runner.
2009 Young Guns Final Results:
Placing |
Greyhound |
Trainer |
Margin |
| 1 |
GNARLEY BOY |
Malcolm Dawson | - |
| 2 |
PURE SURF |
Paul Cauchi | 1.25 |
| 3 |
MR. METZ |
Ron Ball | 1.31 |
| 4 |
PUNK PLATINUM |
Tony Brett | 2.31 |
| 5 |
GOLDEN DUCK |
Michael Brauer | 3.81 |
| 6 |
HANSON PETRIE |
Geoff Allen | 5.81 |
| 7 |
LILLY’S PRIDE |
Sandra Hunt | 12.06 |
| 8 |
CONVINCING TALK |
Christopher Riordon | 14.31 |
