Carnival Chase To Decide I'm Explosive's Next Move

I'M Explosive puts her unbeaten box one record on the line when she takes on the Group 3 Carnival Chase Final (600m) at Albion Park on Thursday night.

And her performance in the finale, worth $25,000-to-the-winner, will help make up trainer Rob Ayres' mind about taking on the best stayers in the land a week later.

The daughter of Barcia Bale and Explosive Madam – winner of the Dapto Middle Distance Championship in November – ran 35.14 to win her heat of the Carnival Chase last Thursday night, the quickest of the two heats.

The other heat went to Pokie Payout in 35.17.

FIELDS AND FORM ALBION PARK THURSDAY NIGHT

“Finally,” said Rob of the perfect box draw for his bitch. “She's been in so many big race finals and never drawn a decent box.

“I'm pretty happy with the draw this week. It is very, very, very good for her.”

Ayres' plans for I'm Explosive are dependent on how she runs in the Carnival Chase final.

“If she goes as good as I expect,” he said. “I will head to The Gardens for The 715 on Saturday week.”

The 715 is a new innovation by GRNSW, the richest distance race in the world, with a first prize of $500,000.

“No she is not prepared for 700 metre racing, but if she runs up to expectations this week, then she deserves a try,” said Rob.

Winners are grinners! ? ?

I'm Explosive looks well pleased with herself after she took out the @sportsbetcomau Middle Distance Championship at @DaptoG tonight!#thedogs #daptogreys #greyhoundracing #winnning @TimNewbold pic.twitter.com/Q5mDM9doS2

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) November 18, 2021

“Some of her family stay pretty well and there is only one way to find out.”

Albion Park's upcoming winter carnival will also provide I'm Explosive with plenty of distance opportunities as well.

Of her final opposition, Rob believes Jedda Cutlack's Sunburst is the hardest to beat.

“If she jumps she will be very hard to beat even though she has drawn box five,” he said.

“I fancy our chances because the two, Dundee Amber, has no early pace and she should give us a clear run early.

“But, Dundee Amber is very strong and she will be coming home hard at the finish.”

I'm Explosive, back in November last year, stepped up to 600m racing for the first time to win the Dapto Middle Distance Championship.

She has started 50 times for 17 wins and earned $110,000.

“She's still a fifth grade over 600 metres but has won $110,000,” said Rob.

Albion Park will also host the final of the Group 3 Young Guns (520m) with Jedda Cutlack's Tungsten Miss and Tony Brett's Milligan sharing favouritism.

Milligan ran the quickest of the heats with a 29.95 performance and Tungsten Miss is expected to be improved by her run when second to Artanis in 30.17.

John Dart has two finalists, rails drawn Gypsy Del an impressive come-from-behind winner in 30.06 in her heat and Artanis.

Jim Gallaway's Little Zephyr could be the “knockout” dog for the Young Guns final drawn to lead off the eight box.