Final Deadline in deadly form

Classy four year old Final Deadline (Bettors Delight) staked his claim for better races to come with an effortless harness racing win in the Wolf Signs Band Pace at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

Perfectly drawn in barrier two and a raging hot favourite, Final Deadline as expected exploded out of the mobile for driver Adam Sanderson and went to the lead.

Jungle Dragon had no luck being wide early and had the unenviable task of taking the field up to the leader by racing outside Final Deadline.

FINAL DEADLINE 13 JUN REPLAY

Always Be Chaps had the trail behind the leader with Always Dancing one out and one back.

Last year’s Rising Sun winner Fate Awaits who was the only other runner in single figure odds, was caught four back on the rails and at no stage could obtain a clear run.

Final Deadline cleared away in the back straight and running his last two quarters in 26.9 and 26.4 seconds gave nothing else a chance. Unextended by Sanderson, Final Deadline had five metres to spare over Always Be Chaps who battled on gamely for second with Always Dancing a fair way back in third.

Final Deadline has raced amongst the very best in his career and earlier this season he was runner up to Captains Mistress in the Chariots of Fire at Menangle in March. The Shannon Price trained gelding is getting prepared for next week’s Group 2 Redcliffe Gold Cup and may well be considered for this years Rising Sun where he would be likely to clash again with Captains Mistress.

The Burwood Stud three year old event looked to be an intriguing event even with just six runners and it proved to be an exciting race.

Local star Fire and Passion and New South Wales Derby placegetter Yottie were matched and also present was the star filly Alwaysbjoy. As predicted Fire And Passion led while Yottie from the outside raced up alongside the leader while Alwaysbjoy took the trail.

Bernie Hewitt on Yottie wasn’t intimidated and he eyeballed Fire And Passion in the final lap. Alwaysbjoy was looking for a run and she took the inside opening on straightening. In a driving finish Alwaysbjoy (Always B Miki) prevailed by two metres and the judge declared a dead heat between Yottie and Fire And Passion for second.

ALWAYSBJOY 13 JUN REPLAY

Alwaysbjoy rated 1.50.7 for the 1660 metres but undoubtedly the run of the race was turned in by Yottie who had the hardest run of the field and yet only went down by two metres.

Hewitt is likely to have him in top shape for the Queensland Derby next month and it would be interesting if he is invited for the Rising Sun.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink