Impact Storms Into Flying Amy Contention

KEVIN Ellis says the “pumpkin head” on Impact has finally come off and the dog is emerging as a high class youngster.

That was evident when the son of Fabregas and Velocity Willow ran a scorching 29.73 on a wet track at Albion Park on Thursday night to win his way into next Thursday night's Group 2 Flying Amy Classic (520m) as the fastest heat winner.

Ellis trains the dog for Steve and Meryl Williams.

“He's always been able to gallop,” Ellis said.

“But, he's one of those dogs whose brain has been a long time engaging. He's been mental.

“The first three months he was in our kennel, my wife Vicki couldn't even let him out for a pee he was such a mental dog.

“He's a wonderful chaser but he would do stupid things in his races like crash into dogs in front of him.”

Ellis “educated” him through races at Capalaba and then low grade events at Albion Park. His record is now 12 starts for eight wins and those wins have come in his past nine starts.

“He hurt a fibia and I gave him a month off and that has done the trick,” said Kevin.

“His run last night was special. He handled himself perfectly. When the pressure was on at the first corner he held his ground and then pressed on.

“He's still learning but last night was the first time he has raced with a bit of nous about him.”

Ellis said he is happy with Impact's box three draw.

“Jungle Deuce is drawn to suit and so is Louis Rumble,” said Ellis. “But, Tony Brett's dog Orchestrate will improve. It is a very even field for the final.”

Breeder-owner Steve Williams said dam Velocity Willow (Barcia Bale-Velocity Zoe), despite winning only seven races ion Rockhampton, was potentially a high class race bitch injured before racing.

“I've done that with great success in the past,” Steve said. “Bred with a bitch who broke in exceptionally but got hurt and didn't get to prove it.

“Velocity Willow has a litter by my own dog Jury that were born in January.

“Billy Boon trained her in Rockhampton. Billy looks after those bitches so well.”

G2 Flying Amy Classic Final (box draw): 1 Jungle Deuce, 2 Nando Dreamer, 3 Impact, 4 Hopeful Hope, 5 Do It, 6 Orchestrate, 7 Louis Rumble, 8 Ice Cream Story. Res: 9 Mr Fix It, 10 Merchant Navy.

Dashing Corsair final (box draw): 1 Classy Ethics, 2 Maggie Moo Moo, 3 Smart Lilly, 4 Pump It, 5 Barsandi, 6 Lucky Hero, 7 Zipping Niseko, 8 Regal Rocky. Res: 9 Temper Tears, 10 Power Point Diva.