Warragul St Leger Success Only Growing

WHEN the Warragul Greyhound Racing Club elected to revamp their St Leger series back in 2015 the objective was for it to rival the depth of quality of their flagship event, the Group 2 Warragul Cup.

Well, mission accomplished.

Now in its fourth year under the new format, the age-restricted feature has quickly reinvented itself as one of the most sought after classic races on the calendar, with Saturday's finale set to be no exception, boasting eight hugely talented youngsters that will slug it out for the $25,000 first prize.

"It really has exceeded our expectations in every way," beamed Warragul boss Adrian Scott following Tuesday night's cracking heat program.

"A few years back now the club made a conscious effort to ensure the race had relevance from a group racing stance, and after two years of paying group 3 prizemoney, the race was awarded group (3) status in 2018.”

For greyhounds up to 30 months of age, the success of the St Leger in recent years has been profound.

"Fanta Bale winning the race in 2016 was a big boost for the race and last year's field was outstanding also. For it to be won by one of the best we've ever seen since the stake increases was a huge plus.”

WATCH: Fanta Bale's 2016 Warragul St Leger victory

While Fanta Bale's epic victory in 2016 helped solidify the race's new found popularity, the class of 2018 continued the series' uprising also, boasting an all-star cast of chasers that went on to bigger and better things.

The winner was multiple group winning powerhouse Aston Kimetto for Seona Thompson, while finishing behind the victor were chasers the ilk of My Redeemer, Black Forge, Pindari Express, Chief's Empire and Nervous An Weird.

Lofty company, indeed.

And after the staging of four brilliant heats on Tuesday night, Saturday's final promises to be another absolute ripper.

Again, a stepping stone to bigger things, no doubt.

On a fantastic program of racing, setting the pace for the $25,000 to-the-winner decider was Weblec Ace for Jeff Britton in heat two, the son of Kinloch Brae scoring in 25.66, while in heat three, his litter-brother Weblec Jack was a narrow winner over Eight Ball in 25.76.

The fourth and final heat saw a resounding victory to the Glenn Rounds-trained Curt Lee in a slick 25.90, while the opening heat proved to be an absolute cracker, going the way of Andrea Dailly's unbeaten youngster Shima Shine in a driving finishing over Get It Gizmo for Harry Manolitsis.

Now a winner at his opening four starts, Shima Shine recorded 25.68 for victory.

WATCH: Shima Shine and Get It Gizmo fight out the opening heat

Indicative of the depth and quality for Saturday's final, early favourite for the event with TAB is Get It Gizmo at $3.20, ahead of Shima Shine at $4.00.

Weblec Ace and Eight Ball are both $4.80 apiece early doors, with Curt Lee representing good value at $7.50.

BOX DRAW: Saturday's Group 3 Warragul St Leger Final (460m)

1. Weblec Ace
2. Eight Ball
3. Get It Gizmo
4. Shima Shine
5. Curt Lee
6. Weblec Jack
7. Talulah Bale
8. Mepunga Daniel