It may not have been a track record yet Jumpy Keeping’s stunning 29.64 win at Dubbo on November 27 turned heads.
The all-the-way debut offering was only .37 shy of Zipping Kyrgios and Midnight Starlet’s track record yet it is considered the fastest ever maiden win over Dawson Park’s 516m.
On Saturday Jumpy Keeping steps out in the Bryan Maxwell Memorial Final – a $7,200 to-the-winner event – but must contend with box five in a competitive affair.
In his heat, Jumpy Keeping – a son of high profile American sire Superior Panama – led from box one by means of very smart sections yet his ‘run home’ of 14.50 was exceptional.
This time, litter sister and kennelmate, Ruby Keeping has the prized inside alley and, in her 29.92 heat win, she showed the speed to thwart Jumpy Keeping from establishing an early advantage.
Ruby Keeping ran 4.40 to the post the first time (.02 quicker than ‘Jumpy’) while her advantage was .04 to the back straight.
Thereafter, it’s all Jumpy Keeping on the clock but will box five hinder his early progress?
It’s an engaging contest and much more will be heard from the Charmaine Roberts-prepared siblings in the New Year.
Following the highly successful Brother Fox Carnival conducted at Dubbo in May, Greyhound Racing NSW has announced that the richest middle distance race in the world will be conducted at Dubbo next March.
The Country Classic will culminate with a $125,000 to the winner final at Dawson Park following heats at Bathurst, Nowra, Dapto, Gosford, Richmond, Dubbo, Grafton and The Gardens.
“We are just thrilled to be hosting the inaugural running over the Country Classic,” Dubbo President Shayne Stiff said.
“Owners in NSW have, previously, needed to send middle distance dogs interstate seeking opportunity but NSW is now the place to be.
“In fact, interstate trainers will surely be targeting this series … it's a real boost for our track and a significant opportunity for middle distance dogs.
“Our secretary Courtney Norbury and the committee have done a great job here at Dubbo and much of the credit for our track being selected to hold this rich series lies with them.”
The Country Classic Final will carry $180,000 in prizemoney with four semi finals to be conducted at Dubbo on March 12.
Saturday’s 12-race card at Dawson Park gets underway at 5.54pm.
