Grafton’s winter carnival has an energy that is as infectious as it is unique.
Top grade performers clash in the Sprinter’s Cup on Wednesday, while great expectation surrounds the Clarence Valley Sheds Maiden with the 450m features offering $20,000 to the winner.
On the same card - the Stayer’s Cup ($15,000) - the in-form Barsandi is the one to beat yet it is the maiden final, with a kaleidoscope of talent engaged, that provides a window to the future.
Interestingly, only four trainers have a shot at the winner’s purse in the maiden final: Jason Mackay, Reg Gardoll, Ned Snow and Wayne Clarson. Clarson is the 'lone wolf' of the quartet.
Clarson's Smooth Heaven (Smooth Fancy - Kulu Karma) has secured the rails alley in the Clarence Valley Sheds decider and, being Northern Rivers born and bred, it would be a win for the ages should the fawn bitch prevail.
“We grew up at South Gundurimba which lies between Coraki and Lismore and, with dad (John) having dogs, the family has been immersed in greyhound racing from day one,” Clarson said.
“My sister Alison, younger brother Dean and I would walk the race team for dad and he’s still got dogs now … he’s just turned 77. His health has not been great in recent times but he takes great interest in what Dean and I do, and he still works his own dogs along with his partner Kim Gooding.”
Smooth Heaven’s heat win came at start seven and it was a dominant all-the-way effort.
“She trialled well over 350m before the heat and it was nice to see her begin so well (from box two) and be strong late,” Clarson added.
“The win meant a lot to the family. The litter was born on Anzac Day two years back and we got 13 (pups) after expecting only nine. There were long nights supplementary feeding the pups. Kulu Karma was a first-time mum but she was just fantastic and the bond you build from day one is special.
“Smooth Heaven was picked out by my son Brendan, and the other one he liked is coming along nicely too – and is about to be named.
“Dad has been just fantastic in what he’s done for us and should we be lucky enough to win, it’d be a real kick along for him.”
The fastest heat winner in the eight maiden heats on June 28 was Reg Gardoll’s Colonel Trigger which, at start 10, broke through in a slick 25.28 when cleanly away from box 2 and able to quickly assert control.
Previously, Colonel Trigger had mixed box manners yet, despite posing a quick 9.02 first section in the heat win, there'll be no room for error from box four this time.
Colonel Trigger’s kennelmate Sophie Zarr Wren is sure to attract strong support as will Zipping Garth youngsters Zipping Maserati and Zipping Eve. Ned Snow’s Blue Carat was the strongest in the run home on heat night and has genuine upside.
On Grafton’s biggest night of the year, this Clarence Valley Sheds Maiden is, as ever, a race of genuine quality and a platform for higher honours.
The box draw for the Clarence Valley Sheds Maiden Final (450m) is:
1 Smooth Heaven (25.69), 2 Sophie Zarr Wren (25.30), 3 Zipping Maserati (25.42), 4 Colonel Trigger (25.28), 5 Zipping Eve (25.44), 6 Daley Magic (25.64), 7 Blue Carat (25.33), 8 San Polo (25.51). Kid Tyson (2 ½ lengths to 25.44) and Nangar Blossom (1 ½ lengths to 25.74) are the reserves.
