THE state final of the AGRA National Sprint Championship at UBET Racing Centre in Launceston tonight could all come down to what happens in the first 100 metres of the race.
The final over 515 metres has brought together some of the best sprinters in the state with Retail Chart a youngster with enormous ability and potential likely to start favourite ahead of Breaker’s Tip who is proven against the best.
Retail Chart, a 22-month-old pup, is unbeaten from four starts on the Launceston circuit with a personal best time of 29.56 over the 515-metre trip and his overall record stands at seven wins and three placings from only 14 starts.
He was awesome in winning his heat last week when he led from box four and was strong over the concluding stages even though runner-up Posh Fire was taking ground off him at the business end of the race.
Breaker’s Tip also won his heat last week clocking a slick 29.46 which was the best of the night and he has an imposing race record of 18 wins and 10 minor placings from 33 starts.
But he has to contend with box seven tonight and with loads of speed inside him the Gary Fahey-trained star is likely to need luck to be on side at the first turn that has brought about the demise of the best of sprinters.
Breaker’s Tip’s box manners are excellent and he has multiple wins from all boxes except box two.
Provided he begins well Breaker’s Tip will be in contention for a long way.
Posh Fire has drawn awkwardly in box four but if he can find a spot on the heels of the leaders leaving the first turn he will make his presence felt at the business end of proceedings.
Elite Enfield also won his heat and while he is yet to win wearing the yellow vest he has the ability to topple this field if luck is on his side in the first 50 metres.
The Ted Medhurst-trained Prescribe has again drawn poorly in box eight but he is a class act when he flies the start and should that happen tonight he has what it takes to win without surprising.
The winner will represent Tasmania at the AGRA National Sprint Championship final over 520 metres at Wentworth Park in Sydney on August 22.
By Peter Staples.