ABDON BALE and ASTON THOMAS will be the South Australian representatives in this year’s National Distance and Sprint Finals respectively after fine wins at Angle Park on August 9.
The Lisa Rasmussen trained Abdon Bale repeated his heat win of the previous week, when he came from wide ot to be third at the post the first time.
Hot favourite Kalden Mayhem had just swept past the early leader Miss Woods and raced clear. Abdon Bale, a grinding type stayer that uses plenty of the track, simply refused to give in and in a stirring finish he nailed Kalden Mayhem right on the line in 43.30.
With a record of 8 wins from 25 starts, he should be well suited by the vast expances of Hobart’s Elwick track.
The two favourite’s fought out the Sprint Final, but in all fairness Aston Thomas was never in doubt.
He rocketed out of the white box and led throughout in a smart 29.89.
He had 2 1/4 lengths to spare over Point Two Over which was gallant, coming from 5th into the back to grab second, with Rush Hour third after chasing the winner till the home turn.
Trained by Ray Murray, Aston Thomas has now won 18 of his 43 starts with 18 placings, this noted slick beginner will prove a worthy representative for the Croweaters.