After last Thursday’s running of six heats of the Fast Forward 1-4 wins series over 400 metres at Tara Raceway’s time-graded meeting there was not a lot separating the eight finalists.

And given the finalists are determined by their race times, and not finishing positions, only three of the six heat winners – Kinlock Blazer, Cadillac Patch and Late Mail – actually made their way through to today’s added money final.

Kinlock Blazer, a son of Mepunga Blazer and Mossy Girl, took the time honours with a run of 23.22 seconds in the final heat, the Rocks Tavern Stake.

The black dog, who had won two races at Horsham, is another one to have found his way over to Compton trainer Tracie Price’s kennels after previously copping a couple of failing to chase tickets at Warrnambool and Geelong.

But Kinlock Blazer, raced by the trainer’s son Ben, certainly did not look to do too much wrong after taking the lead down the back and then running away to a 3¼ length win over Venetian Jet – also through to the final.

Cadillac Patch, trained at Edenhope by Captain Abbott, led all the way from box one in heat three, the Klaassens Contractors Stake.

He defeated kennelmate and fellow finalist Cadillac Lloyd – racing in Kerry Hawker’s name – by a length in 23.39 seconds.

Chasing his first win since July, Cadillac Patch is by Aussie Infrared out of Lady Bang Bang who raced on 100 occasions for 12 wins on Victorian provincial tracks.

The Abbott-Hawker team ended up with three finalists after Cadillac Rocks dead-heated for second with Honey Rocks – also through to the final for Price – behind $61 chance Late Mail in heat five, the Greg Martlew Autos Stake.

Owned and trained at Berringa since the end of August by Michael Niele, Late Mail’s strong finishing win in 23.46 seconds was the son of Bekim Bale x Baurna Sal’s second consecutive success at Tara Raceway.

Also through to the final is Cawbourne Shiny, third in 23.52 seconds behind Cadillac Patch and Cadillac Lloyd for Tarpeena owner-trainer Dita Mitchell.

Back at Tara Raceway last Thursday for the first time in 22 years was Adelaide trainer Mick Taylor of Windsor Gardens.

“Yes, I still remember coming down here in January 2020 with a fawn dog called Debt Free.

“He was by Jurassic Vapour out of Humble Pie and was actually having his first race start that day,” Taylor recalled.

“And what a thrill it was when he won, defeating a dog called Henry Sheldon over 512 metres in 30.89 seconds.”

Unfortunately, there was no such luck last Thursday for Taylor whose best result was a third placing with Gable in the Ary Sports Bar & Bistro Maiden Stake (305 m).


More certainty for participants following increase in base stake money levels

South Australian greyhound racing participants look set to benefit following the announcement last week of a rebuilding of base level stake money.

Effective from January 1, 2023, an overall stake money increase of $750,000 over a 12-month period will be equally distributed across all TAB grades and races.

“We are pleased to announce a modest increase in stake money in line with the ongoing growth that our industry is continuing to drive,” said Grantley Stevens, Greyhound Racing SA Chairman.

“We expect revenue to stabilise as we navigate a new normal and the rising cost of living which we understand is placing participants under pressure.

“GRSA is looking to continue to provide increased support at all levels of racing to ensure the best practice care for our greyhounds.”

Mr Stevens said that while the increase in base stake money levels would likely result in a reduction in monthly Wagering Activity Payments (WAP), it would provide more certainty to participants in relation to industry returns.

“The stake money increase will apply to all grades of greyhound racing in South Australia and will extend from Angle Park to regional tracks at Mount Gambier, Gawler and Murray Bridge,” he said.

And races conducted at Murray Bridge’s straight track will receive an additional funding boost – taking the total stake money increase at that track to 20%.

“Murray Bridge, together with Healesville, Richmond and Capalaba, is one of just four straight tracks in Australia and we understand the importance of investing in that point of difference,” Mr Stevens said.

He said the stake money increase was reflective of GRSA’s ongoing commitment to its participants and animal welfare.

“Stake money is the lifeblood of our industry.

“It supports our participants and ensures confidence and growth in an industry that continues to go from strength to strength.”