THE final of the time honoured $20,000 Illingworth Classic is shaping as one of the best and most even in the race’s history following the results of the two heats in Launceston last night (Monday).
Breeders Classic winner Emerald Lee and Jethro produced a battle royal in one heat with the Debbie Cannan-trained and part-owned Emerald Lee emerging triumphant by a narrow margin with the talented Zavance Man and Just Sioux Me filling the minor placings to qualify for berths in the final to be run in Launceston next Monday night.
The remaining heat was taken out by the Mick Stringer-trained New Recruit that had to produce a near career-best performance to run down tearaway leader Bluffy Lad prepared at Bagdad by Alison Walker.
New Recruit hit the line a neck clear of Bluffy Lad with Beaudine and Bell Haven making up the top four.
The first four home in each of the two heats qualified for a place in the rich final that carries a purse to the winner of $14,000
Emerald Lee has been a model of consistency with her early speed one of the major contributing factors in her winning eight of her 11 outings including the past five in succession.
She will start from box three in the final and will have to be at the top of her game with New recruit and the zippy Bluffy Lad drawn on her inside.
Jethro has drawn awkwardly in box six but if he begins as well as he did from box four in his heat then he will test this field.
Hobart Maiden Thousand winner Zavance Man ran on well in his heat and while he has drawn box eight in the final it may prove to be a blessing in disguise.
Zavance Man is a powerful finisher and should he be within striking distance of the leaders he will make his presence felt at the business end of proceedings.
Box draw for the $20,000 final to be run over 515 metres in Launceston on April 16:
1 – New Recruit, 2 – Bluffy Lad, 3 – Emerald Lee, 4 – Bell Haven, 5 – Beaudine, 6 – Jethro, 7 – Just Sioux Me, 8 – Zavance Man 1st Reserve Night Train, 2nd Reserve Buckle Up Gaye
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