Rodney McDonald is through to next week’s Ladbrokes Odds Boost Final (318m) but is worried all his luck was used up at Thursday’s meeting at Dawson Park.
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McDonald’s Dana Moocha took out the final heat of the series on Thursday but the Cowra based trainer confessed the final might be too much of an ask for a sprinter he describes as “average”.
“Hopefully we can draw box one again but I think we wasted our luck today,” he said.
“This week we got three of them (box one draws).”
McDonald did have the luck of the draw won Thursday, having chances jump from box one in three of the seven races he contested.
Dana Moocha was one of those and a powerful run home helped her score career win number three in start 25.
She jumped well and sat second early on while Flatlined ($6) got to the lead early on.
Elusive Escapee ($19) then powered around the outside and got to the front and seemed destined to power on towards victory.
But Dana Moocha ($5.50), hugging the inside rail, got the better run into the home straight and won by a half-head from Elusive Escapee while Happy Chap Zarr ($2.50 favourite) was third.
“Halfway down the straight I didn’t think she was going to win but she keeps trying right to the line and stuck her head out right on time,” he said.
“It makes the trip home a bit better when you’ve got a winner.”
McDonald will be joined in the final by Paul Wasson, who had Clever Chloe and Roman Zesta winning their respective heats.
Roman Zesta, while not winning in one of the best times of the day, was an eye-catching victory having jumped out last and sitting towards the back of the field in the run home.
“It was a good run but he’s a hard chasing dog,” Wasson said.
“Missed the kick and was at the back of everything but went wide and obviously that’s a slow time but a deserved win.”
Where’s Showy ($34) was the best starter and got to the lead quickly while hot favourite Myrniong Rocket ($1.75) sat second before quickly charging to the lead.
Bradley O’Neil’s chance still led as the line approached but Roman Zesta ($4.60) came flying down the outside to steal victory.
“He can do it either way but he’s a hit and miss starting dog,” Wasson, who scored an early treble on Thursday, added.
“It’s only his third start for me for two wins now.
“It (the final) will be a hard race but if he jumps he’ll be right amongst them.”
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
