Partyon and Mark Purdon take out their Breeders Crown Semi-Final at Bendigo.
Unbeaten Partyon will improve into the Betterthancheddar @ Alabar Breeders Crown Final after her Semi-Final win, said trainer-driver Mark Purdon last night at Bendigo.
After finishing 1.4m ahead of runner-up My Casino Belle in the first Semi-Final for the two-year-old pacing fillies in 1:58.5, Partyon was installed $1.75 fixed odds favourite with TAB.com.au for next Sunday’s Group 1 final at Tabcorp Park Melton.
“She was quite casual actually. I think she will be better with the run under her belt and she was busy looking at everything with the new track and new surroundings,” Purdon said.
“She’ll be spot on for the final.”
VIDEO: MARK PURDON TALKS ABOUT PARTYON AFTER WINNING SEMI
Partyon, by Bettors Delight out of Beach Parade and unbeaten in four starts, began from barrier 11 last night at Lord’s Raceway but wasted little time getting into the race, Purdon pushing her forward to find the lead after 300 metres.
Once in front there were very few moves made in the run and Partyon dictated terms before dashing up the straight with a 27.2 final quarter to hold off a valiant My Casino Belle for Brad Hewitt.
But while Partyon, who won the 2YO Diamond at the New Zealand Harness Jewels meeting in June, is all the rage for the Final Victorians Petacular and Miss Graceland will be far from easy-beats next Sunday.
Michael Stanley trained Petacular in particular has had a super season with eight wins – including victory in the Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series Final – from 10 starts for over $160,000 in stakes.
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Last night she was at the top of her game once again, taking out her Semi-Final by 4m over Emma Stewart trained Miss Graceland in 1:57.7.
Driven by Chris Alford, Petacular overcame a barrier 11 draw, circling the field to assume control at the mile.
VIDEO: PETACULAR GRABS ANOTHER WIN, THIS TIME IN SEMI-FINAL
Miss Graceland, who started from barrier 13 last night, moved to second at the 500m before dropping on to Petacular’s back for a breather turning for home. Those two dashed right away from the rest of the field and the winner never looked in any serious danger, scoring by 4m with third-placed Miss Dangerfield coming in 23.9m behind the winner.
Petacular, by Somebeachsomewhere out of Ideal Priority, drew poorly for the Final resulting in TAB.com.au putting her up as a $5 third favourite, with Miss Graceland drawing well in gate four for the Final opening at $3.50.
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Media enquiries:
Cody Winnell (HRV Media/Communications Manager)
t: 03 8378 0288 | e: cwinnell@hrv.org.au | tw: @codywinnell