IT came as little surprise on Monday evening when Old Timer notched up the fifth consecutive win of his career to book a place in next week’s $10,000 to-the-winner Soldiers Saddle final, but there were some nervous moments on his way to victory at Kennerson Park.
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The David Pringle, Clergate trained dog was the fastest qualifier for the semi-finals, having taken out his heat a week earlier in 29.87 seconds.
Since beginning his career at Coonamble on October 2, he had not been beaten and Old Timer had drawn box two for his semi-final.
It was statistically one of the best draws for the 520 metre journey he could have, with only box one having provided more victors.
As such, Old Timer started as the $1.50 favourite, but into the first bend he copped a check as he jostled for position with James Express ($5.90).
Fortunately for Pringle, his dog by Collision from Midnight News did not lose too much ground and he went on to win by 5.5 lengths.
“He had to have a bit of a go in that, but that’s him, he loves it,” Pringle said.
“It is hard to see from over there [catching zone], but when I saw them coming I thought hello, as long as he gets around this corner he’ll be right. I could see him on the rails about third.”
Pringle had three members of his kennels qualify for the semi-finals, in which the first two past the post would advance to next Monday’s decider.
While Lady Houdini (sixth) and Midnight Elise (third) were unable to crack the top two, Old Timer provided him with a chance to claim his second Soldiers Saddle crown in the space of three years.
In 2013 Jacks Joker won the final by 6 1/2 lengths as a $4.30 chance from box one.
It was an impressive turnaround as Jack’s Joker had placed sixth in his heat, finishing 10 lengths off the pace, and was only given a spot in the semi-finals after another contender was scratched.
“We won it two years ago with a reserve dog actually. It’s good, it’s not the most prize money you’ll get in a race, but it’s nice to have bragging rights,” Pringle said of the saddle.
“The one before, he had a lot of injury trouble, it is hard to prepare dogs ... this one he loves it, he is a good chaser.”
Old Timer was the third fastest away from the boxes on Monday, with James Express ($5.90) on his inside and Raglan Gun ($20.20) in box four getting the best of the start.
As Old Timer and James Express tangled on the bend, it allowed the Naiomi Murphy trained Raglan Gun to take the lead heading into the back straight.
But the favourite soon made up ground, drew level then pulled away before the final bend approached. Once Old Timer was in the lead, it was race over.
Despite the early check Old Timer won in 29.80 seconds to be the quickest of the four semi-final victors.
Raglan Gun surprised as he held on for second clear of Cosmic Wood ($12.80).
