By Pat McLeod
Here is what the connections of some of the Flying Amy heat winners had to say on Thursday night at Albion Park:
Uncle Tommy - Jamie Hosking for trainer Steve Withers:
“Steve (Withers) came over with the dog last week (from WA), trialled him, settled him in and then went back home.
“He has settled in perfectly. He may not always be the quickest dog in the race, but he is a professional.”
Overflow Beau – Trainer Craig Chappelow:
“He certainly loves this track, that is four out of five wins here.
“I thought the race panned out how I thought it would. He began well, was able to sit and then get past the leader.
“He knows his way around and handled himself very well and waited until the right time to go.
“Hopefully winning through to this Final might get him through to the Origin feature night and then it’s the Brisbane Cup.”
Hoshino – Trainer Selena Zammit:
“That was a huge run, extraordinary. He is only a baby, but has a big motor and a big future.
“The win did surprise a little as it was a big step up in class and he did it the hard way. To do that proves that he is something pretty special.
“He will be a stayer, but at the moment we are more than happy to stay sprinting.”
Tattooed – Robert Cooke for trainer Anthony Azzopardi:
“That was a very good run. I have watched him all of his career to date and do have a high opinion of him.
“He is through to the Final and if he repeats that, well you never know.
“He is a great dog to have in the kennel, so quiet. But, when it is race time, he is all business.”
The box draw for next Thursday night’s Group 1 Flying Amy Classic over 520 metres: 1. Hoshino (Selena Zammit); 2. Uncle Tommy (Steve Withers); 3. Overflow Beau (Craig Chappelow); 4. Hotel Whiskey One (Mathew Vincent); 5. Tattooed (Anthony Azzopardi); 6. Sunset Frazier (Tony Apap); 7. Pronouns (Tony Brett); 8. Lakeview Emily (Tony Brett). Reserves: 9. Cindy Keeping (Charmaine Roberts); 10. Speed Zone (Travis Elson).
Here is what the connections of some of the Cyndie’s Magic heat winners had to say on Thursday night at Albion Park:
One Hot Bandit – Trainer Michelle Sultana:
“This was his first good 600 metre hit-out for some time, so everyone will be happy with that run.
“He is an absolute flying machine and I had no concerns when he was pressured in the latter stages of the race.
“I knew that he would have something left in the tank.”
Fahey’s Magic – Trainer Tyson Barton:
“She is going very well at the moment. I thought she may have been a little underdone this week because I have been a little easy on her over the past 12 days or so.
“I think she will improve for the Final and I guess she will have to beat the likes of One Hot Bandit.
“She always tries her heart out, that is one of her biggest assets, always gives 100 per cent. And, she loves this track.”
She Is Fire - Trainer Mark Moroney:
“That was a sensational run . I gave her a look here two weeks ago and I am sure that has helped.
“She loves this track. She's becoming a faultless starter, has the added benefit of being strong and her recent form has been exceptional.
“This dog could continue on to be something a little bit special, but you have to step up each time. The great thing is she is doing a lot of things right.”
The box draw for next Thursday night’s Group 2 Cyndie’s Magic over 600 metres: 1. Hector Fawley (Lisa Cockerell); 2. Tagovailoa (Tom Tzouvelis); 3. Fahey's Magic (Tyson Barton); 4. Tarawi Moo (Denise Robinson); 5. One Hot Bandit (Michelle Sultana); 6. Scarlatti (Tom Tzouvelis); 7. Saanvi (Tom Tzouvelis); 8. She Is Fire (Mark Moroney). Reserves: 9. Plum Tuckered (Tony Apap); 10. Black Tsunami (Michelle Sultana).