By Brennan Ryan
Tasmanian owner and trainer Ben Englund says his talented chaser Wynburn Sheean is spot on ahead of his biggest career test to date in Thursday night's $375,000 Group 1 Sky Racing Brisbane Cup Final (520m) at Albion Park.
The mighty black son of Aston Dee Bee and She's All Class - trained in Queensland by Tony Brett - delivered a brilliant heat win last week in beating home Wise Thunder to a one-and--half length victory, clocking 30.15 seconds jumping from box 2.
While the time was slower than others in the heats, Englund says he couldn't be happier with Sheean's performance.
"He showed plenty of determination in beating them to the first corner, the time was least concerned," Englund said.
"The run last week was Wynburn Sheean's best effort by far since being in Queensland.
“It's about a matter of timing and the most crucial part was getting the right box draws - drawing close to the rails is a massive asset in the Final."
Wynburn Sheean has now won 23 races with 4 minor placings from 31 starts, and prizemoney in excess of $130,150.
Drawn ideally in box two for the Group 1 feature, he will line up third elect at $5 behind the Victorian-trained Shima Shine as the $1.90 favourite.
"The draw is ideal to give the dog every chance, there is plenty of pace in the race - it won't be easy," Englund said.
"Wynburn Sheean is a brilliant race dog and has that brilliant will to chase his heart out every time he fronts up at the track.
“We've been in contact with Tony (Brett), we can't thank him enough for what he's done with the dog."
A $4000 purchase, he has gone on to win a Group 2 Launceston Cup and Group 3 Devonport Chase in Tasmania, with Ben and his family having enjoyed the ride with Wynburn Sheean being one of the best chasers' they've had.
"He's been a terrific dog and pleasure to see him make the final - fingers crossed we can hopefully get some luck," he said.
The Group 1 Sky Racing Brisbane Cup Final is race eight on the card, and will jump at 9.13pm.