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Premiers Cup Beckons For In-form Pacer

27 June 2018

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It was a winning performance that left a big impression on the driver.

In-form pacer Slice Heaven made it back to back victories at Albion Park yesterday (Tuesday) with a resounding performance in the Pryde’s Easifeed Pace.

Starting from gate 11, the outside of the second-line and rising in distance compared to his sprint lane victory the previous week, the Donny Smith trained pacer made light work of his rivals before scoring in a brilliant time of 1:55.6 for the 2138m event.

The Rocknroll Hanover - Shards Fantasy gelding has now won his past five starts and remains unbeaten at Albion Park from two attempts.

And regular reinsman Nathan Dawson is suitably impressed.

“That was very impressive, he’s covered plenty of ground over the final 900m while running very sharp sectionals and feeling very comfortable. He’s on the up and Donny is doing a very good job with him so it’s a good situation for him right now.” The normally reserved Dawson noted.

Connections are switching their focus to the Gr.3 $30,630 Premiers Cup at Albion Park on Saturday week, the opening night of the 2018 winter carnival.

Traditionally, the Premiers Cup was always staged as a stand-start event but Racing Queensland officials have switched the event to a mobile start for the first time this year.

Key contenders could include Queensland Derby bound types Colt Thirty One and Thatswhatisaid among many others but Dawson believes his charge deserves his chance.

“He’s won his past five and he’s in great shape while his confidence is sky high presently, you got to be in it to win it.

“A genuine pace will suit him down to the ground, which was proven yesterday. He’s got that great acceleration whether they go steady or if they’re running along, it suits him both ways.

“I thought he was promising but that victory really elevated him in my opinion, that was very impressive and hopefully better things still to come.”

Currently, Dawson leads the Queensland Drivers Premiership with 140 winners to date and sits five wins clear of nearest rival, Grant Dixon.

He is a runaway leader in the premiership at the Redcliffe Paceway.

The improvement made by Dawson is testament to his dedication at always trying to improve at his chosen craft.

The 22-year-old is a keen form student and pays particular attention of the leading drivers throughout the country.

And the premiership battle will make interesting viewing as we draw closer to the end of the season.

 

Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | June 27 | Photo by Dan Costello