ARNHEM THUNDER scored an overdue win in Launceston last night where he toyed with his rivals to salute in a strong mixed grades four-five event over 515 metres.
Carrying the pink vest Arnhem Thunder (Bond-Pam’s Champ) settled just off the speed and held down third spot leaving the first turn.
But when the leader, Follow Me Lyrics, stopped suddenly due to injury heading down the back stretch, The Anthony Bullock-trained dog burst to the lead and had enough in hand to stave off a late and determined challenge from Painted Dove and First Alarm.
It was Arnhem Thunder’s third win from 13 tries in Launceston but his fourth career win from 56 outings.
Punters made a late surge on the TOTE on Follow Me Lyrics that tumbled in late in betting from $5 to start the $1.70 favourite, while Arnhem Thunder eased from $6.80 to start at the lucrative price of $9.40.
Painted Dove’s run was full of merit as she was slowly away from box six and spotted the leaders a good eight lengths nearing the top turn but lost by less than two lengths.
First Alarm also made up good ground over the concluding stages.
Arnhem Thunder stopped the clock at 30.50, which was well below his best of 30 seconds set in June.