Whanganui Race 11

WANGANUI STAYERS (GROUP 2) FINAL

Stake: $20,000

CHIEF DRIBBLE (5) has a strong record this journey here with three wins and a minor from six starts. Scored by 12 lengths last time (44.84) in a Class 2/3 H over 755m at this track. Looks well placed and should be the one to beat. JOHNNY FOOTBALL (7) is in top form scoring comfortably at last two, winning by 3.5 lengths (45.02) last time and by 5 lengths (38.22) two back. One of the top two in the market. GRANDE VUE ACE (6) is the grand old stayer of this field. Loves the staying trip but might find a couple of these to smart. Top-three chance definitely. FLASH INFERNO (4) is worth including after a top-three finish at big odds most recently. Is a young staying dog who is gradually getting better every run.

Distance: 755m
Class: C2df
Track: Good
Weather: Cloudy
Surface: All Weather

Trackside Tips:

Mark Rosanowski Selects: 5. Chief Dribble, 7. Johnny Football, 8. Opawa Louise, 2. Sweet And Sassy, 3. Thrilling Gordon

Racing and Sports™ Trusted form provider for 20+ years

Sweet And Sassy (2) 23334
Trainer: J T Pruden (Palmerston North)
Prize Money: $29,830
Win / Place: 12% / 57%

3 yo Black B

Sire: Benali

Dam: Sassy Lil Lassy

Owners: Team Sassy Syndicate

Rating

Stats

Career

40: 5-10-8

Track

24: 3-8-6

Trk/Dst

3: 0-1-1

Distance

3: 0-1-1

Season

3: 0-0-2

1st Up

2: 1-0-0

2nd Up

2: 0-2-0

Winning Distances
<400	400+	500+	600+	700+
0	0	3	2	0

Box History	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
STARTS	5	8	6	8	3	4	3	3
1st	1	0	2	1	0	0	0	1
2nd	2	3	2	1	1	0	0	1
3rd	0	2	1	3	0	1	1	0

Comments

Had been in consistent form with four minors on end before missing the frame last start when fourth (45.34) at this track. Tough field and appears tested.

Expected Early Speed:Front Runner

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Box	Ran	Avg. Speed	Margin	SP	Win Time	BON	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Days	Result
4th of 4	29/8/25	Whanganui	755m	6	0:45.34	59.9 km/h	4.60L	$9.20	0:45.02	44.84	C2dq	$6,300	$350	10	1. Johnny Football 2. Opawa Louise 3. Grande Vue Ace
3rd of 4	19/8/25	Palmerston North	660m	6	0:38.80	61.2 km/h	8.30L	$38	0:38.22	38.22	C2d	$6,300	$945	12	1. Johnny Football 2. Charley Horse 3. Sweet And Sassy
3rd of 4	7/8/25	Cambridge	650m	3	0:38.53	60.7 km/h	4.00L	$8.60	0:38.25	38.25	C2d	$6,300	$945	20	1. Thrilling Muse 2. Johnny Football 3. Sweet And Sassy
3rd of 8	18/7/25	Whanganui	520m	4	0:31.02	60.3 km/h	5.40L	$2.10	0:30.64	30.11	C1	$4,100	$615	7	1. Thrilling Gordon 2. Big Time Hilary 3. Sweet And Sassy
2nd of 8	11/7/25	Whanganui	520m	5	0:30.84	60.7 km/h	0.10L	$4.30	0:30.83	30.83	C1	$4,100	$1,025	7	1. Why A Rapper 2. Sweet And Sassy 3. Thrilling Gordon
4th of 7	4/7/25	Palmerston North	660m	2	0:39.43	60.3 km/h	9.80L	$11	0:38.74	38.74	C2d	$6,300	$350	7	1. Little Dodo 2. Charley Horse 3. Big Time Poppy

Thrilling Gordon (3) 76113
Trainer: W T Hodgson (Palmerston North)
Prize Money: $23,610
Win / Place: 11% / 31%

3 yo White and Black D

Sire: Thrilling Boris

Dam: Ginny Gin

Owners: W T Hodgson

Rating

Stats

Career

54: 6-4-7

Track

27: 2-4-5

Trk/Dst

1: 0-0-1

Distance

1: 0-0-1

Season

6: 2-0-2

1st Up

2: 0-0-0

2nd Up

2: 0-0-0

Winning Distances
<400	400+	500+	600+	700+
1	2	2	1	0

Box History	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
STARTS	4	6	9	7	11	4	8	5
1st	0	2	1	0	0	0	2	1
2nd	1	0	0	1	2	0	0	0
3rd	1	1	0	1	2	1	1	0

Comments

Found the going tougher last start when third over 755m at this track. That followed a win two back in 39.08 beating Flash Inferno over 660m at Manawatu. This looks too tough.

Expected Early Speed:Midfield

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Box	Ran	Avg. Speed	Margin	SP	Win Time	BON	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Days	Result
3rd of 3	29/8/25	Whanganui	755m	4	0:45.94	59.2 km/h	15.70L	$18	0:44.84	44.84	C2dq	$6,300	$945	3	1. Chief Dribble 2. Flash Inferno 3. Thrilling Gordon
1st of 7	26/8/25	Palmerston North	660m	2	0:39.08	60.8 km/h	0.10L	$7.80	0:39.08	39.08	C0d	$4,700	$2,820	4	1. Thrilling Gordon 2. Flash Inferno 3. Lockwood Loop
1st of 5	22/8/25	Whanganui	520m	7	0:30.41	61.6 km/h	0.40L	$9.80	0:30.41	30.25	C1/2	$4,400	$2,640	3	1. Thrilling Gordon 2. My Mini Me 3. Brighton Wave
6th of 7	19/8/25	Palmerston North	457m	5	0:26.61	61.8 km/h	9.10L	$32	0:25.97	25.86	C2/3	$4,800	$100	14	1. Thrilling Zane 2. Big Time Keegan 3. Why A Rapper
7th of 8	5/8/25	Palmerston North	660m	5	0:40.10	59.3 km/h	17.60L	$49	0:38.87	38.87	C0d	$4,700	-	4	1. Romantic Rebel 2. Know Expense 3. Juice Master
3rd of 5	1/8/25	Whanganui	520m	5	0:31.09	60.2 km/h	7.30L	$10	0:30.58	30.23	C2/3	$4,800	$720	3	1. Thrilling Zane 2. Honky Tonk High 3. Thrilling Gordon

Flash Inferno (4) 55222
Trainer: J T Pruden (Palmerston North)
Prize Money: $16,380
Win / Place: 5.88% / 35%

Nearing Another Win

3 yo White and Black D

Sire: Hooked On Scotch

Dam: Thrilling Amelia

Owners: J T Pruden

Rating

Stats

Career

34: 2-7-3

Track

12: 1-2-2

Trk/Dst

1: 0-1-0

Distance

1: 0-1-0

Season

4: 0-3-0

1st Up

1: 1-0-0

2nd Up

1: 0-0-0

Winning Distances
<400	400+	500+	600+	700+
0	1	1	0	0

Box History	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
STARTS	1	2	5	3	5	4	7	7
1st	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0
2nd	0	1	3	0	0	1	1	1
3rd	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1

Comments

Form has been solid with minor placings at his last three starts. Last time out finished 2nd in a Class 2/3 H on August 29 over 755m at this track behind Chief Dribble beaten 12 lengths (45.71). Expected to measure up.

Expected Early Speed:Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Box	Ran	Avg. Speed	Margin	SP	Win Time	BON	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Days	Result
2nd of 3	29/8/25	Whanganui	755m	6	0:45.71	59.5 km/h	12.40L	$16	0:44.84	44.84	C2dq	$6,300	$1,575	3	1. Chief Dribble 2. Flash Inferno 3. Thrilling Gordon
2nd of 7	26/8/25	Palmerston North	660m	8	0:39.09	60.8 km/h	0.10L	$3.90	0:39.08	39.08	C0d	$4,700	$1,175	7	1. Thrilling Gordon 2. Flash Inferno 3. Lockwood Loop
2nd of 4	19/8/25	Palmerston North	660m	3	0:38.90	61.1 km/h	4.20L	$12	0:38.61	38.22	C0d	$4,700	$1,175	14	1. Know Expense 2. Flash Inferno 3. Lockwood Loop
5th of 8	5/8/25	Palmerston North	660m	8	0:39.23	60.6 km/h	5.10L	$86	0:38.87	38.87	C0d	$4,700	$100	14	1. Romantic Rebel 2. Know Expense 3. Juice Master
5th of 6	22/7/25	Palmerston North	660m	6	0:39.39	60.3 km/h	8.40L	$65	0:38.80	38.8	C0d	$4,700	$100	4	1. Adobe Videl 2. Know Expense 3. Lockwood Loop
5th of 8	18/7/25	Whanganui	520m	6	0:31.25	59.9 km/h	8.70L	$12	0:30.64	30.11	C1	$4,100	$100	7	1. Thrilling Gordon 2. Big Time Hilary 3. Sweet And Sassy

Chief Dribble (5) 11111
Trainer: M Roberts & J Johnson (Christchurch)
Prize Money: $225,732
Win / Place: 45% / 71%

Track Specialist

Track / Distance Specialist

Box Specialist

4 yo Black D

Sire: Shima Shine

Dam: Slinky Inky

Owners: M Haines

100

Rating

Stats

Career

71: 32-13-6

Track

6: 3-0-1

Trk/Dst

6: 3-0-1

Distance

6: 3-0-1

Season

4: 4-0-0

1st Up

3: 0-1-0

2nd Up

3: 1-0-1

Winning Distances
<400	400+	500+	600+	700+
0	3	5	7	17

Box History	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
STARTS	4	10	9	9	9	12	6	12
1st	1	4	5	4	5	6	3	4
2nd	1	2	2	1	2	3	0	2
3rd	1	2	0	1	0	0	1	1

Comments

Won his last five in a row including a strong win last start over 755m at this track by 12 lengths in a Class 2/3 H. Flying lately and can score again.

Expected Early Speed:Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Box	Ran	Avg. Speed	Margin	SP	Win Time	BON	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Days	Result
1st of 3	29/8/25	Whanganui	755m	5	0:44.84	60.6 km/h	12.40L	$1.00	0:44.84	44.84	C2dq	$6,300	$3,780	8	1. Chief Dribble 2. Flash Inferno 3. Thrilling Gordon
1st of 5	21/8/25	Addington	681m	3	0:39.88	61.5 km/h	2.50L	$1.70	0:39.88	39.88	C2d	$6,300	$3,780	7	1. Chief Dribble 2. Paw Kilter 3. Adobe Videl
1st of 5	14/8/25	Addington	732m	7	0:43.13	61.1 km/h	8.00L	$1.10	0:43.13	43.13	C2d	$10,000	$6,000	7	1. Chief Dribble 2. Adobe Videl 3. Grande Vue Ace
1st of 5	7/8/25	Addington	681m	6	0:39.48	62.1 km/h	7.70L	$1.40	0:39.48	39.48	C1/2d	$6,300	$3,780	21	1. Chief Dribble 2. Adobe Videl 3. Grande Vue Ace
1st of 7	17/7/25	Addington	732m	2	0:43.01	61.3 km/h	8.00L	$1.60	0:43.01	43.01	C2df	$20,000	$12,000	18	1. Chief Dribble 2. Adobe Videl 3. Grande Vue Ace
5th of 8	29/6/25	Manukau	527m	7	0:31.59	60.1 km/h	11.00L	$5.80	0:30.82	30.65	C4/5	$6,300	$100	10	1. Opawa Stacy 2. Bay Flyer 3. Opawa Linny

Johnny Football (7) 11211
Trainer: Lisa Cole (Palmerston North)
Prize Money: $175,718
Win / Place: 59% / 82%

Box Specialist

Going for the Hat-Trick

3 yo Black D

Sire: Shima Shine

Dam: Super Tora

Owners: G Farrugia

100

Rating

Stats

Career

62: 37-9-5

Track

15: 7-2-2

Trk/Dst

3: 1-0-1

Distance

3: 1-0-1

Season

4: 3-1-0

1st Up

2: 2-0-0

2nd Up

2: 2-0-0

Winning Distances
<400	400+	500+	600+	700+
0	2	10	23	2

Box History	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
STARTS	1	8	4	12	12	6	10	9
1st	0	6	3	7	8	2	6	5
2nd	1	1	0	2	1	1	2	1
3rd	0	0	1	0	0	3	1	0

Comments

Lifted to win two runs back and got the cash again last start over 755m at this track (45.02,) beating Opawa Louise. The last win was in one of the quickest times on the card. Looks well placed to make it three straight.

Expected Early Speed:Midfield

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Box	Ran	Avg. Speed	Margin	SP	Win Time	BON	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Days	Result
1st of 4	29/8/25	Whanganui	755m	5	0:45.02	60.4 km/h	3.30L	$1.60	0:45.02	44.84	C2dq	$6,300	$3,780	10	1. Johnny Football 2. Opawa Louise 3. Grande Vue Ace
1st of 4	19/8/25	Palmerston North	660m	5	0:38.22	62.2 km/h	5.10L	$1.20	0:38.22	38.22	C2d	$6,300	$3,780	12	1. Johnny Football 2. Charley Horse 3. Sweet And Sassy
2nd of 4	7/8/25	Cambridge	650m	4	0:38.28	61.1 km/h	0.40L	$1.20	0:38.25	38.25	C2d	$6,300	$1,575	6	1. Thrilling Muse 2. Johnny Football 3. Sweet And Sassy
1st of 5	1/8/25	Whanganui	520m	7	0:30.23	61.9 km/h	0.20L	$2.60	0:30.23	30.23	C5	$6,300	$3,780	8	1. Johnny Football 2. Big Time Brave 3. Big Time Maestro
1st of 7	24/7/25	Cambridge	650m	6	0:38.48	60.8 km/h	8.60L	$1.10	0:38.48	38.48	C1/2d	$6,300	$3,780	7	1. Johnny Football 2. Night Flight 3. Opawa Louise
2nd of 6	17/7/25	Cambridge	650m	4	0:38.58	60.7 km/h	0.80L	$1.30	0:38.52	38.52	C2d	$7,000	$1,750	23	1. Opawa Stacy 2. Johnny Football 3. Big Time Bam

Opawa Louise (8) 33442
Trainer: M Roberts & J Johnson (Christchurch)
Prize Money: $87,069
Win / Place: 7.45% / 50%

5 yo Black B

Sire: My Bro Fabio

Dam: Opawa Sophie

Owners: P E Mcdermott

Rating

Stats

Career

94: 7-13-27

Track

8: 1-2-1

Trk/Dst

7: 1-2-1

Distance

7: 1-2-1

Season

3: 0-1-0

1st Up

2: 0-0-0

2nd Up

2: 0-0-0

Winning Distances
<400	400+	500+	600+	700+
0	0	1	3	3

Box History	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
STARTS	8	18	6	15	14	15	7	11
1st	1	2	1	1	1	0	0	1
2nd	0	1	0	1	3	3	3	2
3rd	1	8	1	6	3	6	0	2

Comments

Finished second at big odds last time (45.25) over 755m at this track. Jumps from the outside. Others preferred.

Expected Early Speed:Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Box	Ran	Avg. Speed	Margin	SP	Win Time	BON	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Days	Result
2nd of 4	29/8/25	Whanganui	755m	7	0:45.25	60.1 km/h	3.30L	$14	0:45.02	44.84	C2dq	$6,300	$1,575	8	1. Johnny Football 2. Opawa Louise 3. Grande Vue Ace
4th of 5	21/8/25	Addington	681m	4	0:40.65	60.3 km/h	11.00L	$38	0:39.88	39.88	C2d	$6,300	$350	7	1. Chief Dribble 2. Paw Kilter 3. Adobe Videl
4th of 5	14/8/25	Addington	732m	8	0:44.01	59.9 km/h	12.50L	$32	0:43.13	43.13	C2d	$10,000	$600	14	1. Chief Dribble 2. Adobe Videl 3. Grande Vue Ace
3rd of 8	31/7/25	Cambridge	650m	2	0:38.76	60.4 km/h	7.50L	$21	0:38.23	38.23	C1d	$5,500	$825	7	1. Thrilling Muse 2. Fear To Tread 3. Opawa Louise
3rd of 7	24/7/25	Cambridge	650m	4	0:39.26	59.6 km/h	11.20L	$27	0:38.48	38.48	C1/2d	$6,300	$945	16	1. Johnny Football 2. Night Flight 3. Opawa Louise
4th of 7	8/7/25	Palmerston North	457m	5	0:26.79	61.4 km/h	9.40L	$19	0:26.13	25.77	C1	$4,100	$250	12	1. Bet Rejected 2. Goldstar Minty 3. Texas Snakebite