Elson Stuns Rivals with Enormous Run

By Isaac Murphy

Silver Stunner showed the true grit and fight of a Queenslander in winning the State’s National Sprint Final for Travis Elson and the bitch will need to call on all of those attributes to topple the nation’s best as well as Kiwi visitors at National Sprint Final at Cannington in two weeks’ time.

“I’m stoked, coming around the turn I was hoping we could run into a place,” Elson said.

“I saw her start to get close and make a dive at them, but I wasn’t sure until Tony Brett came and shook my hand and thought he’s a pretty good judge, best feeling I’ve had as a trainer.”

Silver Stunner was well in the market for the event, but all looked lost when at one stage she was checked to last but a trademark finishing burst made for a thrilling finish.

“She lived up to her pattern tonight, I think she was last at the post, but she’s been trying her heart out and to get there in this race is a huge reward,” Elson said.

“I was nervous right up until I saw the photo go our way, she jumped and got back and after I saw Wise Misty lead, I thought we had too much work to do, even at the turn it looked tough, but she did it.”

The win was made more special for Elson with Silver Stunner home bred and set to continue the line when her time comes.

“She originates out of Regal Silver who was a fantastic brood bitch for Mum and Dad and her first litter was with Barcia Bale, I’m glad I picked the right one because she’s been special from day dot,” Elson said.

“She’s a beautifully natured bitch, always a pleasure to have in the kennel we just wanted to tick that first big win off for her and we’ve done that tonight, when it’s all said and done hopefully she can produce another Silver Stunner.”

With just two weeks before Nationals Elson was quickly into preparation mode, keen to get her over there in top condition.

“She’s been up for a while now and is pretty close to peak fitness, the plan is to get over there as soon as possible and give her a look at the track,” he said.

“From all reports it’s a track that lends itself to dogs that run on, hopefully that’s the case and there would be nothing better than doing it for Queensland.”

Racing Queensland webnews   August 9