Saal: Magistrate Can Be Beaten In Young Guns

TOOWOOMBA trainer, and astute form student, Mark Saal, believes only a mistiming by Magistrate at the start of the rich Young Guns (520m) Final at Ipswich next Saturday night can get him beaten.

Saal has Van Helsing in the finale and he has drawn the two, right inside fastest heat winner Magistrate.

The Greg Stella-trained, Donna Darcy bred and owned Magistrate ran 30.23 when winning his heat by almost eight lengths as the $1.40 favourite.

“But, he has a very fast beginner in Ally Gal drawn in the four and if Magistrate dwells even the slightest bit, it could spell trouble,” said Saal.

Saal's Van Helsing was perfectly drawn in the rails and used it to perfection leading throughout to win his heat in 30.69.

“We've had a run of red boxes lately and this was pointed out to me by Mick Zammit during the night at Ipswich,” said Mark of his close friend.

“Mick could not help himself. After Van Helsing drew the two box in the final he asked me how the dog would handle being ‘drawn off the track'.”

Saal reports Van Helsing was “flat” after the win.

“I was a little disappointed in his run home time and he has pulled up a bit flat today,” said Saal.

MAGISTRATE takes out the Group 3 Ipswich Auction series final after a blistering turn of pace mid-race to add to a win % for his career of over 50% ? #QLDisRacing? pic.twitter.com/KFqcPHX8nJ

— RaceQ (@RaceQLD) April 15, 2023

“He will have to lead to win the final, but he can do that with his usual quick beginning.”

Saal believes Magistrate is the most improved greyhound in training.

“His Winter Carnival performances were great and he was right in the Group 1 (Brisbane Cup) until he found trouble,” he said.

Saal's “mate” Mick Zammit and his wife Selena won three of the five Young Guns heats.

They won with Another Chance in 30.57, Brimstone in 30.38 and Inevitable in 30.62.

“Those Zammits would win with a Labrador at the moment,” said Saal.

“But, unfortunately for them, none of their finalists have drawn to suit.”

Young Guns (520m) in box draw order: 1 Blue Hornet, 2 Van Helsing, 3 Magistrate, 4 Ally Gal, 5 Inevitable, 6 Another Chance, 7 Brimstone, 8 Stone Cold Blue. Res: 9 Villante, 10 Bogie Hurricane.