Scorching Ipswich Winner To Chase Winter Riches

A rejuvenated Final Plea will head back to Albion Park after running a scorching 30.27 to win a 5th Grade series final at Ipswich on Saturday night.

“It was no surprise to us that he ran such a quick time,” said Justin Bowe whose uncle Gerard trains Final Plea for owner Michael Essex.

The son of Lightning Frank-Bat Outa Hell scored by six and a quarter lengths beating Flying Jet and Talgai Warrior.

“After that run, we have to take him back to Albion Park next Thursday night,” said Justin.

“All credit to my uncle Gerard for the way he has got this dog back to his best.”

“Team Bowe” sent Final Plea to Townsville back in February in a bid to gain some much needed confidence.

The dog drew a series of good box draws and won three in a row.

“He came back a better dog,” said Justin.

There was a plan to the trip north with Final Plea. Team Bowe wanted to get his familiar with the track there as part of his preparation for the Townsville Cup series coming up in July.

Final Plea has now won 13 races from 44 starts.

“The time did not surprise us,” said Justin.

“He was slipped post to post there only a week or so ago and went 24.65 and I think (Group 1 winner) Bago Bye Bye is the only dog to run that sort of time of late.”

Justin admitted Final Plea had not raced as well at Albion Park as he does at Ipswich despite winning there in 30.10 in the early stages of his race career.

But there is no doubting the dog is flying at the moment.

Team Bowe has 17 in training with eight of those racing at the moment.

“It's a real partnership between Gerard and myself,” said Justin.