Bogdanavic achieves Riverina success in Breeders Challenge

Riverina colt Bogdanavic (Fear The Dragon) came with a well timed burst to snatch harness racing victory in a thrilling $100,000 Group 2 Cobbity Equine New South Wales Breeders Challenge Blue for two year old colts and geldings at Menangle on Saturday evening.

Perfectly driven by his trainer Jackson Painting Bogdanavic couldn’t muster enough speed from the pole so Painting elected to have him three back on the rails.

Equal favourite Lexy went to the lead as expected but had to hold off a fast early challenge from Cantplza Malteeza. Lewie Kelly settled behind the leader.

Lexy tried to kick clear on the home bend but couldn’t shake off Lewie Kelly who had come off the rails. Meanwhile Bogdanavic peeled off the fence three back and once balanced in the home straight he stormed home to narrowly edge out Lexy and Lewie Kelly in a mile rate of 1.53.2

BOGDANAVIC SEP 6 REPLAY

Jackson Painting reflected following his big win.

“It’s definitely a highlight I’ve won a Group 1 Riverina Championshop as a driver for Dave Kennedy but as a trainer this is my first Group race win”.

“We’ve done everything with him. We had the mare so this is the first foal and he’s got a few issues but we ironed them out at the right time and he was super tonight”.

“Once we straightened and he flattened out I thought we were a big chance here. And he stuck his head out where it counted”.

“To do this with three or four really good mates is even more special”.

“He’s had a few troubles early in his careers but he’s putting it all together at the right time now. So we’ll probably keep going to the Breeders Challenge Series now and see how he progresses against those better ones there”.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink