Bob Building Towards Big Carnival In Young Guns

GROUP 3 Young Guns hotpot August Bob can produce a 29.60 run around Albion Park "if he's is left alone early".

That's the opinion of the My Redeemer-Gramercy Park dog's part-owner and usual trainer Steve Fitch.

August Bob is in Queensland under the care of premier trainer Tony Brett for the Winter Carnival and has drawn the rails in Thursday night's $30,000-to-the-winner final.

Fitch sent him north to Brett and he produced an amazing performance to win his heat.

FIELDS AND FORM ALBION PARK THURSDAY

"It was an enormous run last week," said Steve. "I reckon he lost four tenths at the first turn.

"Down the back straight I was just hoping he could get into second to be able to qualify for the final."

But, August Bob not only qualified, he turned in an amazing performance to run down tearaway leader Danger Zone to win by a length in 30.13.

"When he got up to win, I jumped out of my lounge room chair and nearly hit the ceiling fan," said Steve.

2024 Group 3 Brisbane Young Guns Heat 1 520m

1st: August Bob (3)
2nd: Danger Zone ( 8 )
3rd: Duffman (2)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @MMcInallyPhotos @Thedogs_com_au pic.twitter.com/8vknek4WYN

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) May 2, 2024

"It's much harder being an owner than it is a trainer," he joked.

Despite drawing the coveted rails in the final, Steve believes August Bob is better suited off a wider draw.

"Don't get me wrong," he said. "I'm happy to have the rails.

"But, look at the speed in the race, especially as a few of his rivals have run in the 5.40s first section."

But, Steve also points out August Bob has led at Wentworth Park in 5.37 "and not much goes quicker than that".

He said stand-in trainer Tony Brett reported the dog pulled up well after his heat win.

August Bob is already a Group 1 National Derby finalist and won a heat of the recent G1 Golden Easter Egg in 29.35.