Cheers for waiting Kev, appreciated.
Well, just got back from the best visit to a dog track i've had! It might not sound that great to you guys but i'll tell you anyway!
As usual just seeing her walking up the straight to the track got my nervous, she looks so good in her muzzle and jacket and walks so gracefully! She was in with two dogs from other trainers, which I didn't mind, as normally she is in with same trainer's dogs. They got her loaded into the traps, Trap 4.
The 2 dog in the race was exlame, meaning he had run competitively but had pulled up most likely for something or another previously. He was obviously going to be the one to beat, the 6 dog was also a Qualifier (like Cassie).
The hare was on the move and I stare at the lids, praying for her to come out even and give herself every chance! The lids open, I stare, and shes out! Not lightening pace but she got herself out the box as quick as the other two, she put it in to the first bend and upon turning the bend she checked behind the 2 dog who had gone up half a length ahead of her. Down the far side she ran a little green and lost a couple of lengths on the dog infront, but was well ahead of the 6 dog.
Round the third bend she started finding her feet again and kept the 2 dog within reach but couldn't make up any real ground on it and she crossed the line 2nd, by what I thought was about 4 lengths max. She was infront again by the pickup and had no problems with looking at any other dogs etc!
Now the nervous wait for the time, Turny had a stopwatch on him and tried to time most races, and he reckoned she had done about 28.28.. "Winning order for Trial 23 was, 4 x 2 x 6".. WTF?? Cassie didnt win? "Oops, sorry, 2 x 4 x 6, winning time 27.82, distances 4 and 3/4, 5l."
Working out at approx 8 spots per length we realised she had done about 28.20! This I was obviously ecstatic with and new she had put in a good run, but more importantly, I know she is capable of better. Asked Mick before I left to ring me when he finds out sectional and going.
Just got off the phone to him and he tells me the sectional was 3.99, which isn't flying, but for her it bloody is! lol. The going was 10 slow so her time was calculated at 28.21 (-10), so 28.11. This is one spot outside grading time which is a disappointment! If she had done 28.10 she could have been going round the track v v soon! And some nice gambles could have been landed in bottom grade
As it goes its not the worst thing she gets another trial, I would hope to see her in the 2 box next week as I think if she was drawn in 2 this week it could have been a different story.
Onwards and Upwards! ..
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