Team "Wynburn" Sets Maiden Thousand Pace

‘Team Wynburn' dominated the heats of last week's TAB Maiden Thousand (461m) at Hobart, with promising debutant Wynburn Mia producing the standout performance on a night where trainer Ben Englund claimed three of the five qualifiers.

 Overall, four of the six members of the Barcia Bale x Miss Hetti litter qualified for this Thursday's semi-finals, with Wynburn Mia running the fastest time of the series in 26.22 from box three, taking the lead off the top turn to score by 9 ¾ lengths over Cheeky Lil with Stylish Dash third.

Wynburn Willow was only one-one hundredth outside that time, leading all-the-way to run 26.23.

Wynburn Mia and Wynburn Willow, which both tip the scales at 30 kilograms, are from the June '17 Barcia Bale x Miss Hetti – the final litter from Englund's exceptional brood.

"They're young but showing plenty of promise – they all have ability," said Ben Englund.

"I really don't think there is that much between Mia and Willow but this series does put them to the test over the three weeks. Willow does show genuine early speed and she is coming back off an injury lay-off – that was her first 400-metre run in a while so will take plenty of improvement."

It was a clean-sweep for sire Barcia Bale in the heats, boasting all five winners, another exceptional performance by the outstanding stud dog.

On a night of top racing, Wynburn Lily opened proceedings in the first heat, swamping front-runner Zora's Fountain late by a neck, running 26.37.

"These pups have been on the go from very early on and keep improving. Wynburn Ava was unlucky in her heat due to being held up most of the way – she really didn't fire up until late," Ben detailed.

The remaining two heats were claimed by Debbie Cannan's two promising bred pups Ryall and Stern, both from the Barcia Bale x Demi Cali litter, Stern went the fastest of the pair, clocking a smart 26.34.

Four semi-finals will be staged this Thursday night which sees Englund with a runner in each of the second round of qualifiers.

"I'm pretty happy with all their draws heading into the semis, they will improve with the experience from their heats runs. I like Wynburn Willow's chances with her good early speed," offered Englund.

"Wynburn Mia can begin a lot better than what she did on Thursday and that was her first run back since being in the semis of the Breeders Classic at Devonport. Wynburn Lily and Wynburn Ava are drawn out wide which suits them both also."

The first two placegetters will progress through to the Maiden Thousand Final Thursday week.