A CHARMED run and luck early in the race paved the way for Natural Eight to score a surprise win at bolter’s odds in Hobart last night (Thursday).
The Donna Goodluck-trained dog began only fairly from box four and looked set to cop a check when crossed sharply by two dogs on his outside but he managed to avoid contact and when he was going to struggle to fill a place in the home straight, he again had luck go his way.
Race leader Great Taylors led into the straight but was challenged strongly by Queen Of Speed with the favourite Crazy Wal looming ominously.
Natural Eight was running home fairly along the rail but when Great Taylors ran up the track taking Queen Of Speed with him, they cannoned into Crazy Wal ending that dog’s winning hopes.
While this was going on Natural Eight slipped through along the rail and went on to win by 1-3/4 lengths from Crazy Wal that came again with Queen Of Speed the same margin away third and just in advance of Great Taylors.
While it may have been a shade lucky, it was a deserving win by Natural Eight that had notched 15 minor placings from his 32 starts prior to contesting this latest assignment.
It was only his third win but he has been a good money spinner for his connections.
Crazy Wal (Talk’s Cheap-Jaimandy Vas) is a definite black booker from the meeting.
The Ted Medhurst-trained dog was only fairly away from box seven and copped a check approaching the top turn.
He worked into the race nicely and had it not been for the check in the home straight he would most likely have won.