THE old adage of you can’t keep a champion down for too long rung out loud and clear when Tasmania’s best sprinter for the past 18 months Rewind bounced back to the winner’s circle on his favourite track at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart last night (Thursday).
Rewind had his colours lowered by rising star Nicholas Jack at their two previous meetings and there was a distinct air of uncertainty about whether Rewind still had what it takes to deliver in top grade.
But all of those doubts were washed away when the Morrie Strickland-trained champ outgunned his rivals to take out the Canine Performance Systems Invitation over 461 metres.
While Rewind’s winning time of 26.18 was way off his best of 25.78 that he clocked in winning a heat of the Hobart Thousand in 2011, it was a game effort given he was pressured all the way by the eventual minor placegetters.
Rewind flew the lids from box four and had the lead but Nicholas Jack stretched out and moved alongside while the underrated bitch Fulande scooted through along the rail to make a line of three as they wheeled around the top turn.
Rewind led into the home straight with Nicholas Jack poised to pounce on his outside but Fulande loomed large along the rail and looked set to take the honours.
But Rewind showed his customary courage and held out all comers to go on and score comfortably from Fulande with Nicholas Jack a close-up third ahead of Shanlyn Poh that flashed home along the rail, coming from well back on the home turn.
Nicholas Jack was the medium of huge support early in betting firming to $1.90 which pushed Rewind’s price out to $3.00 but when the late money came for Shanlyn Flossie ($7 into $4.90) the others eased with Rewind starting $2.80 and Nicholas Jack the popular elect at $2.40.
It was Rewind’s 19th win from 26 outings on the Hobart track and it was his 47th career win from 72 starts.
The dog has been a brilliant money spinner for Strickland with this latest win taking his career stake earnings to just under $150,000.
Rewind has become an integral part of Strickland’s life and he has always put the dog’s welfare first.
Everyone loves a champion and Rewind has definitely earned that tag.
He was placed second in the past two Group 1 Hobart Thousands behind Dyna Tron in 2011 and Blackalls Boss last year.