Turnwald's Group 1 Dominance Continues

THE phenomenal Group 1 training success being enjoyed by lower North Island conditioner Angela Turnwald carried on at Manukau Stadium on Sunday, mentoring Diddilee to a stylish victory in the $90,000 Auckland Cup Final (527m).

It was the fourth Group 1 training win completed by Turnwald since early December.

Diddilee has now been responsible for two of those, after he annexed the $30,000 NZ St Leger at the Addington Raceway last month.

Diddilee had to be good, very good to secure his Auckland Cup. He wasn't the quickest into stride, settling back in the field. It was almost as if he was being ridden by a jockey in the manner that he weaved himself past his rivals.

That healthy racing tactic saw Diddilee being rewarded with his 30.52s biggest career win by a three quarter length margin. Gallant in finishing second was the Ray Adcock prepared Ringside, as was Pinny Mack who finished third for Steve Clark. There was a length separating the pair at the judge.

"I had no idea who had won the race until I saw one of the owners wildly celebrating up by the podium. When they came past me (at the 527m traps) I thought he had a chance to run a hole (minor placing). I was lost for words when I realized Diddilee had won the cup," advised Turnwald's partner and race day handler Paul Freeman.

"It was almost as if a jockey was riding him when you look at the way he improved taking gaps when going down the back. Then during the run home Diddilee made all the right calls when he perfectly picked the gaps. He is one of those rare greyhounds who can burn at both ends of his races," added Freemen about the son of Barcia Bale and Hot Platter, who commenced his racing career in New South Wales.

Freeman also indicated that the New Zealand Derby (April) will be Diddilee's next major assignment.

Smiles Aplenty Following Railway Sprint

Short course sprinting is all about mistake free racing, especially at the elite Group 1 level.

The ultra-consistent Ben Craik prepared Manukau 318m sprinter Just One Smile, deservedly rewarded for using those healthy racing tactics when she led throughout to stylishly win Sunday's running of the $30,000 Qualified Pet Services Railway Sprint.

It was the white racing vest worn by Just One Smile that was first sighted when the Manukau 318m traps lifted. From that point she controlled the pace for the balance of the dash, scampering clear to secure her Group 1 title in 18.37s, winning it by a comfortable two length margin.

Lisa Cole held a vice like grip heading into the decider, after qualifying three finalists. Sir Duggie, who returned the quickest 18.23s heat time, was warmly favoured to annex the Group 1 sprinters double, after winning the $35,000 The Fitz Sports Bar Galaxy Sprint back in November. Unfortunately injury intervened and he never featured during the dash.

His kennelmates Bigtime Wendle and Bigtime Pete started from the outside two traps and they were required back at the podium in that order following the sprint. Bigtime Wendle broke quickly from her eight trap and she boldly sprinted after the tear away pacemaker which saw her claiming the runners up prize.

She held a 2.25 length buffer over her kennelmate Bigtime Pete, who made an awkward start from trap seven. He then punched his forward around the outer when in the midfield, from where he extended during the run home to nail the third placing.

"I have some health problems these days and I'm not actively involved around the kennels," said Ben Craik with the day to day running of the Drury based kennels being looked after by wife Barbara, along with daughters Lisa and Tracy.

"The girls asked my advice about how to handle Jean (kennel name) during the lead up to the final – they listened and did a perfect job. They have been part of the team for years. They've picked up on my knowledge and I fully trust them with everything they do with our greyhounds," added the long time greyhound conditioner, who last mentored a Railway Sprint winner back in 2012 with the smart Snicko.