Simon Strikes In Group 1 Silver Chief

THERE's no substitute for speed.

And that was on full display in Saturday night's Group 1 Silver Chief Final (525m) at The Meadows, won in brilliant fashion by Simon Told Helen.

Billed as the best ever field assembled for the male-only aged classic, it was the David Burnett-trained Simon Told Helen which stole the show in the $100,000 to-the-winner finale, displaying blistering speed to secure his first group 1 win at his first time of asking.

Stepping away only moderately from box four, the son of Barcia Bale soon kicked into top gear to power through the first split in a sublime 4.99.

From there Simon Told Helen put a gap on his opposition with his trademark blistering second split, carving out a flying 17.40 up the back before scoring in 29.68.

Second went the way of Aston Wizard while Tiggerlong Tonk finished third.

For trainer David Burnett the group 1 triumph continued the whirlwind run of success he's enjoying with Simon Told Helen and litter-brother Who Told Stevie, also a finalist in Saturday night's showpiece finale.

"He's just a super young dog," Burnett said directly after the race.

"There was pressure on early and he just kicked through and showed his speed. He broke their hearts down the back; that's what he does. What can I say." 

Simon Told Helen has now raced on 15 occasions for ten wins and three seconds. His prize money earnings already soaring past the quarter-of-a-million dollar mark.

Now a bona fide stud prospect in waiting, Saturday night's Silver Chief heroics joins his Group 2 Queensland Derby victory and wins in the Group 3 Cup Night Sprint at Sandown and Group 3 Great Chase win at The Meadows.

Few dogs lay claim to a record like that across their career, let alone in their first 15 starts.

All things being equal Simon Told Helen will line-up in the Group 1 National Derby heats at Wentworth Park in a fortnight's time.

The Derby, first run in 1963, is shaping up as a vintage series, with connections of Australia's number one greyhound Hooked On Scotch also earmarking the time-honoured event after next week's Warragul Cup finale.