Unanimous verdict that Sentenced is a star

By Isaac Murphy

There’s been plenty of highlights in Tony Brett’s stellar career but winning the National Sprint and Group 1 Winter Cup with Jury ranks right at the top.

The dual Group 1 winner is happily retired but his legacy lives on through his progeny Sentenced, who after six starts for the Brett kennel has the trainer believing he’ll write his own story when it’s all said and done.

The dog’s won three of six starts, including his most recent two at Albion Park in stunning fashion and is suddenly on the doorstep of the Derby heats, something Brett didn’t think possible a few months ago.

“It’s been fantastic to see what he’s done his last couple of runs, we were very excited when we first got him, but he was a bit timid and probably didn’t come along as fast as I thought, but he’s found his feet now,” Brett said.

“He’s gradually come out of his shell and has always trialled really well, I considered holding off and starting him in Dad’s race (Dave Brett Memorial), but the Pop Northfield came along down at Casino where we’ve had success before and he showed us plenty making the Final.

“The run in the heat was enormous; the ground he made up after being one of the last away was massive, he’s still got plenty to learn at box rise, but when he puts it all together I think he’s going to be something pretty special.”

Brett is suddenly seeing a dog with a bit of swagger about him and loves the way he’s gone about his racing.

“He’s got no fear, his last two runs he could have had plenty of excuses getting across from the eight or cluttered up from box five, but he’s shown the ability to think on his feet and adapt in the run,” he said.

“Last start he had a wall in front of him just past the post and the way he pulled out three wide, avoided trouble and ran home in 12.59, it was a run of a very good dog.

“He’s got that touch of class and if we can fix those box manners up, we’re going to have a really exciting six months, he’s improving every run and touch wood he stays healthy he’ll be going a lot quicker than 29.9.”

Sentenced made light work of the fifth-grade field in his latest start on Wednesday, and Brett had seen all he needed to make the call to head to the Derby.

“He was basically on trial for a Derby birth and he gave us plenty of reasons to give him a start in the heats next week, we don’t want to die wondering,” he said.

“He’s no Farmor Beach or quite up to that standard at this stage, but he only gets one crack at this race; he’s too old next year and who knows if he keeps stepping up, he could surprise us.

“As far as the rest of the summer goes, we’ll just gauge him off each run, I wouldn’t rule him out of any of the big sprints and hopefully we can finish the carnival with a serious racer.”

Steve Williams owned Jury and was never going to miss out on a pup he was so heavily involved with, with Brett also enjoying the ride with a good mate from home.

“I’ve obviously got a lot of time for the dog, but it’s nice sharing the experience with one of my best mates from Toowoomba Josh Allen and Steve Williams who I’ve had so much success with, I love seeing owners enjoying their dogs,” he said.

“Steve was the man behind the breeding, Jury and Velocity Spice who was a good bitch for Peter Wilson are both his own and it’s looking like a nice match.

“The whole litter goes alright; I know there’s one down in Dapto called Crimes who’s won four in a row and Steve is starting to get some smart ones out of Jury - hopefully this fella can fly the flag for a bit.”