Easy Peasy scores a sensational win in the Group 2 Launching Pad at Sandown Park – Greyhound Racing
Darren McDonald, trained brilliant star chaser Easy Peasy, has once again emerged victorious in the Group 2 Launching Pad worth of $36,000, at the Sandown Park. The chaser won after a nail-biting finish, in a hard fought effort.
The son of Pure Octane, Easy Peasy had to fight a very tough battle with some of the most outstanding chasers in the sport. Martili Bale, Hutmaker, Zero’s Hero and King Ashy were also among the contestants. Easy Peasy started the race as favourite at odds
of $4.10, while Martili Bale was rated at $4.30, Hutmaker also at $4.30 and Zero’s Hero at $9.50.
Although the chaser Easy Peasy jumped out from the box very well, he was challenged by his opponents during the first turn for taking the lead. Peasy was almost three lengths behind at third, from the leader Hutmaker. He once again gathered his energetic
speed and started chasing the leader. He persistently kept on reducing the margin, which was three lengths ahead at that time, as the leading greyhound, Hutmaker turned for home.
Peasy regained his power and rocked through the gap to record a stormy finish. The chaser finished in 29.70 seconds, winning by a margin of one and a quarter length.
With this win, Easy Peasy has now won four out of his total five starts at the Sandown Park and it was also his sixth victory in his blooming career. The chaser now has total stake earnings of $37,025.
McDonald, trainer of the star chase was very pleased with the effort his greyhound displayed in the race, and said, “He got into a bit of traffic on the first corner and when Hutmaker skipped away with a good break I thought we might run second. It was a
good effort from a young dog to come from behind class dogs in a ripping race and finish of the race the way the way he did was very impressive.”
This victory was the second success for Darren McDonald, the 2010 Australian Greyhound Racing Association Trainer of the Year, in the Launching Pad. The first one came five years back in 2006, when Path To Power snatched the victory and greeted his trainer.
The trainer was confident about Path To Power and said, “He is still learning how to race. He does seem to like to rail and is very strong so we might look to step him up in distance later on.”
Path To Power is also a very talented greyhound prepared by Darren McDonald. He has also taken part in two of the Group 1 finals and the trainer Darren McDonald is very convinced for his colourful upcoming.