STAR Tasmanian stayer Thirteen Black is just one win away from a trip to South Australia to represent Tasmania at the National Distance Championship at Angle Park later this month.
But his place in the state final next Monday night came courtesy of a mixture of luck and good track sense in his state heat at The TOTE Racing Centre in Launceston tonight (Monday).
The Leigh Wood-trained dog was sent around the $1.20 favourite in his state heat last Monday night but after travelling 100 metres he was near last and at least 15 lengths from the leaders.
The dog ran into the back of another runner that was checked and fell back through the field and he bustled with that dog for about 50 metres before getting clear to start chasing the pack.
Thirteen Black (Bond-Smart And Sassy) improved his position down the back stretch and nearing the home turn he was in top gear but railing as the four leaders bunched up at the point of the turn.
He was either going to get a split and secure a final berth by finishing in the first four or perhaps crash into the pack and miss the final.
He railed through, chased hard and poked his head out right on the line to defeat Sonic Oceania by a half-head with Capetown Harry almost two lengths astern and just in advance of Swami.
Posh Di earned her place in the state distance final with an impressive win over log odds-on favourite Sitka in their heat.
The Anthony Bullock-trained bitch settled third in the small field of six while Cracker Boy flew the lids to lead Sitka into the back stretch.
When Sitka eased to the outside of the leader to challenge, Posh Di secured a rails run to hit the front and went on to defeat Sitka comfortably with Weegie a distant third but well clear of Capetown Jeanie.
Thirteen Black stopped the clock at 43.65 and much slower than that recorded by Posh Di that ran the 720 metres in a slick 42.81.
However, given Thirteen Black’s chequered run it wouldn’t pay to read too much into the times when assessing both heat winners’ chances of winning the final.
The first four in each heat made it through to the final to be run in Launceston next Monday night.
Box draw for the final:
1 – Posh Di.
2 – capetown Harry.
3 – Sonic Oceania.
4 – Weegie.
5 – Thirteen Black.
6 – Sitka.
7 – .Swami
8 – Capetown Jeanie.
Ist reserve – Jordy’s Oceania.
2nd reserve: Hellyeah Benny.