Bob May
AFTER the heats of the Gawler Classic were run last week, this week saw the final of the series run and won by Lewiston-trained Marlee Jaye.
The three most fancied runners all began best, with Marlee Jaye (box-seven) crossing to the front from Our Boy Wolf (box-four) and Funambalist (box-three).
The field bunched a little behind Marlee Jaye, giving her the chance to get out to a four length break over Our Boy Wolf.
That dog was able to gradually reduce the margin, and entering the home straight, he was able to raise another effort, but Marlee Jaye wasn’t to be headed, winning with a margin of one-and-a-quarter lengths in hand.
Winning in a very good time of 22.78 seconds, Marley Jaye was able to turn the tables on Our Boy Wolf after running second to that dog in the Heat.
It was still a great showing from Our Boy Wolf for Brenton Prouse of Kadina.
Marlee Jaye gave her owner and trainer Liz Harley a big thrill in winning, particularly as she had also bred the blue female as well.
From a litter of nine that Liz whelped and reared, this was the first litter from her former good racer Australasian Tab.
It was also special for Liz’s daughter Hayley, who shared the litter with her mother, with Marlee Jaye being named after Hayley’s daughter.
Liz said that Hayley brings her luck, and now has the boxing duties on race day.
Coming off a month’s spell, Liz said she is pleased with Marlee’s progress in her short career, even though she has some learning to do, in particular correcting a tendency to run wide.
Marlee’s record now stands at two wins and three seconds from six starts.
Liz said she loves the dogs, and showed that with an impromptu kiss for Marlee after the race, and said greyhounds are responsible for keeping her going.
This was the first race in a series of special events that this group of dogs are eligible for, and Liz intends to compete in the other races, being confident that she can run the 515m distance at Angle Park.
Liz and the Harley family have been involved with greyhounds for more than 40 years, and currently house 26 dogs of various ages on her property.
To be able to work with that number requires a lot of help, and she said that without partner Tim Ieraci, she wouldn’t be able to do it.
Racing is on every Friday and Tuesday afternoon, so come down for a great meal and racing.