Not many people expected He’s Demanding to win at Dawson Park on Friday afternoon.
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Even trainer Andrew Jones was shocked when the $26.60 chance got to the front early and went on to win the Coolabah Goat Co. 0-2 Wins Stakes (516m).
He misses (the start) by three, three-and-a-half lengths every other start he’s had and he even shocked me. I was leaning on the post and nearly fell over,” he said.
“He surprised me. He hasn’t jumped before but he landed in front and I knew then he would be sort of hard to beat, he likes it on the bunny.”
All the pre-race attention was largely on just one dog.
Pamela Braddon’s Spring Jazz was a warm favourite at $1.60, having won placed in all but two of her eight career races leading into Friday.
Braddon’s bitch got out well from box four and sat just behind He’s Demanding but suffered some contact at the first bend and dropped back in the field.
He’s Demanding got a clear run through and sat along the rail to extend his lead.
There competition for minor places was fierce as it quickly became apparent the race was He’s Demanding’s to lose.
Jones’ dog went on to win by four-and-a-quarter lengths while Mackenzie’s Run ($11.40) produced a fine effort from box eight to come in second, while Mervyn Townsend’s Action Kid ($6.20) was a further two lengths back in third.
“He’s always had a bit of ability,” Jones said.
“But you win and lose races at the start and once he jumped he was in the race so I’m happy.”
Earlier in the meeting, Gunnadoo Amigo benefited from a drop back in class to qualify for next week’s Ladbrokes Mega Margin 0-2 Wins Series.
In an open heat, Cherie Rosier’s Gunnadoo Amigo ($3.60) returned to form by taking out the event in the time of 18.56.
Angie’s My Mum ($18.90) was five lengths back in second while Lil’ Firecracker ($35.70) was third.
“He was in difficult grades last time but back to the right grade and dogs,” Rosier said.
“He’s won two here so I thought I’d bring him back for more confidence.”
Ida Merry ($3.80 favourite) got to the lead early and looked a good chance of winning but on the first bend suffered plenty of contact and was sent all the way back to last, while Gunnadoo Amigo got through unscathed.
Graham Dixon’s Rudra ($2.10) was the fastest qualifier, winning his heat in 18.28, while Wishbone Cargo ($3.20), Oak’s Image ($4) and surprise packet Rival Kev ($27.90) were the other heat winners.