By Andrew Adermann
Velocity Bettina has extended her winning streak to five after taking out the $57,500 Group 3 Box 1 Photography Golden Sands Final over 600 metres at Albion Park last night.
The two-year-old bitch was widely touted as the one to beat throughout the week, however she drifted on the night to $3.40, losing favouritism to the Steve White-trained Red Rock.
The drift proved to be of no concern for Velocity Bettina, who jumped to a clear second from box three, stalking Defy for the majority of the trip.
The Kevin Ellis-trained star came into the final straight still a half length behind the leader, but showed her class by pushing up along the rails and scoring a neat one-length victory.
“It was an enormous effort from the bitch, I didn’t think she’d run the two (Defy) down,” Ellis said.
“I’ve said it all along, she is a 600 metre athlete and now we might even push her a bit further but we’ll see what happens!”
Earlier in the evening, the third annual Racing Queensland Country Cup Final over 520 metres was won in the most convincing of fashion by Elegant Eleanor.
The Bundaberg-trained bitch escaped the wide draw untroubled and burst straight to the lead, finding the fence ahead of her rivals before passing the post for the first time.
The even-money favourite made light work of her company, extending the lead further throughout the trip and scoring a massive eight-length win to Naturally Gifted in second.
“We’re very, very pleased with her, her box manners were perfect tonight and she was just perfect overall,” Elegant Eleanor’s trainer Ricky Hassall said.
“Once she got to the front we were very happy and it’s just a great boost for everyone in Bundy who has supported her.”
Hassall also confirmed that he will be keeping his star bitch down in Brisbane to take on the best that Albion Park has to offer.
Last night’s racing brought the first TAB Golden Greys Summer Carnival to a close, highlighted by $235,000 Group 1 Garrard’s Gold Bullion Final won by Sennachie.
The carnival saw $1 million in feature race prizemoney awarded, and the unveiling of an exciting new match-race series by way of the Group 3 Golden Ticket.
Click here to view all results from Thursday night’s Albion Park meet.