Wynburn Sheean Eyes Meteoric Group 1 Rise

HUGELY exciting juvenile Wynburn Sheean will look to cap off a stunning rise through the ranks with victory in Thursday night's star-studded Group 1 Ladbrokes Hobart Thousand Final (461m).

It's been just 17 weeks since the fashionably bred son of Aston Dee Bee and She's All Class stepped out for his highly anticipated debut in a Devonport maiden, resulting in a slashing nine-length win in a flying 25.40.

Since that startling first up performance the Ben Englund-trained speedster has raced on 14 occasions for 11 wins and three placings, his most recent effort a powerhouse eight-length Hobart Thousand heat win last Thursday in 25.82.

"I was really happy with his heat win because he copped two or three checks and still came out the other side like he did," Englund said.

"He's the toughest dog I've ever trained without a doubt. Not many dogs cop trouble like he does and still find a way through it. It really is a credit to him.

"His Devonport Chase win was a great example. Going into the first turn he was getting whacked and in trouble then next second he was turning for home four lengths in front.

"He's a phenomenal chaser; I've had nothing like him."

Wynburn Sheean will be giving away both age and experience to each of his seven rivals when he joins kennelmate Wynburn Lethal in Thursday night's $75,000-to-the-winner Hobart Thousand decider.

Included in that opposition is sprinting heavyweights Tommy Shelby and Tiggerlong Tonk which dominate betting for the Tasmanian flagship.

Last week, Tommy Shelby was just 1/100th off the track record when racing his way into the Hobart Thousand decider in 25.45.

"They come into the race with Melbourne Cup form and have run the time around Hobart as well … they're the ones to beat for sure," Englund said.

"But if they put a foot wrong and my bloke does everything right I've got no doubt he can run a big race.

"If he begins like I know he can he comes right into it. And if there's a time to put it all together it's on Thursday night.

"Being realistic though we will need a lot of luck."

Wynburn Sheean (box three) and Wynburn Lethal (box two) are Englund's first two Hobart Thousand finalists.

And the Wynyard trainer went within a whisker of boasting a trio of finalists with Wynburn Express running a close-up second to SA star Shadow Mist at bolter's odds in his qualifier.

"It's a big thrill to get two finalists through," Englund said.

"Wynburn Sheean is our best chance but Wynburn Lethal has the speed to get into the race early as well.

"She's won just about every feature race we've thrown at her down here and to make a Hobart Thousand is a massive feather in her cap.

"Both dogs are going into the race fit and healthy and have had a good week.

"The main thing is that they begin and give themselves every chance and hopefully don't come together early."

Firm favourite at $1.75 for Thursday night's Hobart Thousand decider is Tommy Shelby which has drawn box eight in his quest for a breakthrough group 1 triumph.

Strong support continues for Tiggerlong Tonk, the son of Dyna Double One, fastest qualifier for last year's Hobart Thousand Final, currently at $2.90.

Local hope Sprint Gordon is $9.50 from box one for Blake Pursell with the next best Wynburn Sheean at $12.