WELL BRED dog Smokin’ Gonzales earned a crack at next week’s Dowling McCarthy Hankook Tyres Devonport Cup following a decisive win on the Devonport circuit yesterday.
Having his first race start on the showground circuit, Smokin’ Gonzales scampered over the 452-metre journey in a slick 25.71 that was clearly the best gallop on the 10-race card.
The Tony Hoyland-trained dog was competitive in the Hobart Thousand series and his trainer is quietly confident the dog will be competitive in his Devonport Cup heat next Tuesday.
Smokin’ Gonzales showed blistering early speed to lead with a first split of 8.03 seconds ensuring a handy margin on his rivals heading to the top turn. He reeled off a quick second split of 12.89s and ran home in 12.82s.
He hit the line 5-1/2 lengths clear of Jeannie’s Gift with Emmy’s Magic two lengths away third.
Listen to what trainer Tony Hoyland said about Smokin’ Gonzales – click here .