Gardoll Stars In Grafton Maiden Classic Heats

VETERAN local trainer Reg Gardoll produced a training masterclass at Grafton on Monday night to secure three finalists in Wednesday week's Clarence Valley Sheds Maiden Classic Final (450m).

Gardoll, who lives on the outskirts of Grafton at Pillar Valley, guided home Sophie Zarr Wren (25.30), Colonel Trigger (25.28) and Daley Magic (25.64) to dominant heat victories in the $20,000-to-the-winner series.

But Gardoll wasn't the only one to enjoy multiple successes on the night with champion Hunter Valley trainer Jason Mackay and Queensland conditioner Ned Snow each qualifying two finalists.

Mackay guided home hugely impressive littermates Zipping Maserati and Zipping Eve to thunderous heat wins in 25.42 and 25.44 respectively.

Just 19-months of age, the exciting pairing handed in-demand sire Zipping Garth an ideal introduction at stud following their ultra-impressive wins.

Queensland trainer Ned Snow enjoyed a successful Grafton sojourn with Blue Carat (25.33) and San Polo (25.51) progressing through to the finale with slick heat wins.

Just three trainers will produce seven of the eight finalists with the final spot going to Smooth Heaven for Wayne Clarson which scored in the final heat in 25.69.

Qualifying fastest for the first maiden classic on Grafton's new state of the art complex is the Gardoll-trained Colonel Trigger which broke his maiden status at start 10.

Scoring by 12-lengths, the son of Nitro Burst and Caramel Opal was having his first start for Gardoll who appears to have found the key to the immensely talented sprinter.

"He did everything right and won well but I'm a little disappointed with the time – I thought he'd go quicker," Gardoll said.

"I thought he might even break the 25 seconds with the way he's been working but I shouldn't be too disappointed. He's qualified the fastest and is there in the final.

"I don't think I've ever had a runner in the Maiden Classic so to have three chances is great."

Box Draw: Clarence Valley Sheds Maiden Classic (450m)

1. Smooth Heaven
2. Sophie Zarr Wren
3. Zipping Maserati
4. Colonel Trigger
5. Zipping Eve
6. Daley Magic
7. Blue Carat
8. San Polo