Comeback Sprinter Races Into Southern Stars Mix

SIX months ago, trainer Stuart Hazlett would have given his smart sprinter Crowdza Dazzled little or no hope of making any race final let alone one worth $50,000-to-the-winner.

The son of Aston Dee Bee-Crowdza Captive had torn a flexor tendon and his racing future was in doubt.

But on Friday week he will take his place in the inaugural running of the Southern Stars at Goulburn and $50,000 will be the winner's purse.

“He first tore it back in November last year, but I worked on it and got him back to the track for a heat of the Gold Cup at Bulli, but he did it again,” said Stuart.

This time Stuart sought vet advice and Crowdza Dazzled was injected with stem cells.

“It worked wonders, but I still had to give him plenty of time to recover.”

Crowdza Dazzled was two weeks short of being off the track for six months when he lined up in the Temora heats of the Southern Stars over 457m on Sunday.

Aston Barak has clocked the fastest time (25.91) in the Temora #SouthernStars Heats tonight – with Midnight Return flashing home in a tight finish from Devil Dodger in 3rd.

The final will be held at Goulburn on July 29.

Full Results: https://t.co/v0n0HsF33B#thedogs pic.twitter.com/BfhIyG08Y6

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 17, 2022

“He got tired at the finish but he had too big a break,” said Stuart.

Crowdza Dazzled scored by three-quarters of a length over Bonnie's Chance and On The Bit in 26.14.

Jason Fletcher's Aston Barak won the other heat in 25.91 beating Midnight Return and Devil Dodger.

Remarkably, late last year, Aston Barak and Crowdza Dazzled both won heats of the Flight to The Phoenix, on the same card at Temora as well.

“He was very underdone,” said Stuart of his dog's return to racing. “I'd only been able to give him a bit of straight work and a couple of 440m trials at Goulburn.

“He will have a slip at Goulburn's straight on Friday and probably a trial there on Monday to have him ready for the final.”

Stuart knows the final will be tough.

“Andy and Jodie (Lord) will have a few of their stars in the heats, including She's A Pearl,” he said. “And, everyone knows she is flying in preparation for this series.”

Crowdza Dazzled has raced 20 times for 10 wins and four placings earning $33,000.