3 minute read
Palawa King is without doubt one of Australia's best stayers. Whether it's his moderate box manners that drives punters insane or that expected whirl wind finish and turn of speed at the end of races that others just cannot seem to do. There is much that has not been mentioned about this chaser and his name itself which has a deep history.
The word Palawa is not part of common vocabulary in Australia, yet it should be. The word is derived from our indigenous ancestors. A term used by Tasmanian aboriginal people referring to themselves as "Palawa". Referring to the first man created by a kangaroo spirit in meaning. Perhaps it's this kangaroo tenacity and bounce that Palawa King has in spirit also. The spirit to bounce and attack from back in the field to be victorious. Palawa King is definitely the spine tingling kind.
Jack Smith has been asked numerous times why he races the way that he does. And in true Jack Smith no frills fashion he has stated that he himself at times isn't quite sure. Rather than thats the way he has chosen to race. The bad box manners probably more genetic make up than anything to do with rearing or breaking in. The Australian racing public always attracted to those with the spine tingling kind finish.
On Saturday evening he will contest his seventh Group One final in The Fanta Bale Stayers race. Owned by Errol Hughes Palawa King has contested 57 starts for 23 wins and a ever consistent 22 placings to match. His prize money tally currently sits at a largely amassed $680,000 quite a large number when we consider staying races do not carry the same type of prize money as sprinting races.
Without doubt Palawa King will have stiff competion from the Jason Thompson trained Zulu Blast who has the quickest time of any of the runners at The Meadows. However lets not forget that experience is everything and Palawa King has shown his worth having won such Group One races last year as The National Distance Championship and the Qld Cup.
Although the existance of Palawa King has been important for new sire Feral Franky we should not forget that this litter was derived from Errol Hughes who owned and trained the mother Maximun Dos. Surprisingly she was only moderately performed herself having only won 5 moderate races from 51 starts, however she had the DNA make up to produce a champion.
There will be plenty cheering for Palawa King on Saturday night as he tries to become the third New South Wales greyhound to win The Fanta Bale Stayers Cup. Previous New South Wales winners are Blue Moon Rsing and Stanley Road. Here's hoping like his name that Palawa King produces that kangaroo bounce type finish to defeat his rivals.
