Local Rivalry Brews Ahead Of Illingworth Classic Final

An epic battle is brewing for the $27,865 Ladbrokes Illingworth Classic Final (515m) when the state's best locally-bred sprinters line-up for the Tasbred feature in Launceston next Monday night.

Despite the awkward draw of box seven, Fast Minardi will start as the short-priced favourite for the decider.

The Paul Hili-prepared son of Fernando Bale and Cheeky Vixen delivered a sparkling performance in the heats, fending off a challenge from Blitz Danger and Ah We're Tight to post 29.20s.

From 19 starts, Fast Minardi made it win 10 with the 4-3/4 length success for owner Ross Freeman.

“With a ten-day gap and a few trials in between, both of our runners have done well to qualify,” trainer Paul Hili said.

“Both Fast Minardi and Nitro Harvey are quite strong runners, and don't need much work in between races, they have both been trialling extremely well, we've purposely freshened them up for this important series.”

In a race-to-race double, Hili claimed the second Illingworth Classic heat with Nitro Harvey, clocking 29.51s.

Nitro Harvey made it 10 wins from 18 starts for Samantha Freeman, holding out Raider's Guide in the closing stages of the race, scoring by a half-length with Finloch Cash running on strongly in third.

“Nitro Harvey went into the heats with a few niggling problems we had worked on, he's only a few lengths off his litter brother (Fast Minardi), There will be some improvement to come after the run,” the trainer stated.

Remaining heat winner, Supreme Leader, has drawn box one ahead of the final for trainer Gary Fahey.

The son of El Grand Senor and Just Browsing had proven far too strong for his rivals by producing a gusty victory over Black Danger and Power Band in 29.76, taking his record up to four wins for Gary and Greg Fahey.

Connections are eyeing a third Illingworth Classic title as owner/breeders following previous wins by Lil' Miss Marny and Just Browsing.

Introduced by the Launceston Greyhound Club in 1991, the Ladbrokes Illingworth Classic is the premier race for Tasmanian-bred greyhounds, honouring the family legacy of industry stalwarts Ollie and Des Illingworth.

2023 Ladbrokes Illingworth Classic Final Box Draw

1 Supreme Leader
2 Blitz Danger
3 Power Band
4 Black Danger
5 Raider's Guide
6 Finloch Cash
7 Fast Minardi
8 Nitro Harvey
Reserves
9 Ah We're Tight
10 Roxy Rocker