Burnett Issues Stern Silver Chief Warning

IN a frightening warning for his rivals ahead of Saturday night's Group 1 Feikuai Greyhounds Silver Chief Final, David Burnett expects boom litter brothers Simon Told Helen and Who Told Stevie to improve on their scintillating heat victories.

Simon Told Helen was the first of the January '18 Barcia Bale – Who Told Lindylu siblings to go around in last Saturday's Silver Chief heats, his first appearance since winning the Group 2 Queensland Derby at Albion Park 16 nights earlier.

Winner of the Group 3 Great Chase at The Meadows in October, where he edged out Who Told Stevie in a memorable quinella for Little River-based Burnett, Simon Told Helen stifled betting on heat six, starting at $1.10 from box one.

Simon Told Helen showcased what has fast become his trademark blistering early and mid-race acceleration, clocking 5.00s and 17.41s, both quickest sections of the eight heats, as he trounced runner-up Whodat Lookin' by 5.17 lengths in 29.78s.

Who Told Stevie hadn't raced in almost five weeks, since finishing third in a Melbourne Cup heat, when he started $1.60 favourite from box six in the final qualifier.

In a stunning return that delighted Burnett, Who Told Stevie also led all the way, but went even faster, reeling off sections of 5.07s and 17.53s, as he defeated Mister Harlewood by two lengths in 29.68s.

"Who Told Stevie broke a fibula in the Melbourne Cup heat, so to do what he did on Saturday was just remarkable," David Burnett said.

"He'd had four and a half weeks off and all I could do with him was walk and swim, walk and swim.

"He's pulled up terrific and you would have to think he'll improve.

"Simon Told Helen also had a very light preparation, coming back from Brisbane, so hopefully he might find a couple of lengths too.

"His early speed helped and the good box helped. He'll have to show that early pace again this week to lead and if he leads they've got to catch him."

Who Told Stevie (eight wins from 11 starts) and Simon Told Helen (nine wins from 14 starts) have drawn alongside each other for the $100,000 to-the-winner Silver Chief in boxes three and four respectively.

Simon Told Helen is the $3.50 favourite with TAB, with Who Told Stevie sharing the second line of betting at $4 with fastest heat winner Hard Style Rico (29.63s).

"The draw is perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better draw," Burnett offered.

"The difference between them is that Simon Told Helen runs 5 dead early and Who Told Stevie runs 5.07s.

"But Who Told Stevie has always had a couple of lengths on Simon Told Helen, so if Who Told Stevie gets a clear run he'll pick him up.

"I'm staying neutral. I hope they both get a clear run and show what they can do.

"A dead heat would be a fitting result but it's worth $28,500 for running second!"

Being a son of the late, great sire Barcia Bale and with Group victories in the Queensland Derby, Great Chase and Cup Night Sprint already on his resume, Simon Told Helen is well along the path to a stud career and a Group 1 title would significantly boost those aspirations.

"A stud career beckons," Burnett said.

"He's won three Group races, unlucky in a Melbourne Cup heat, unlucky in the Silver Bullet. What more can the dog do?"