19-year old Orange trainer Jay Opetaia couldn’t wipe the smile off his face after claiming his first major victory in taking out the 2023 Ladbrokes Chief Havoc Gunnedah Cup final on Sunday evening.
Run and won over the 527m, the final is worth $40,000 to successful connections, which included trainer Opetaia and the On The Bunny Syndicate and Carlos, managed by Nick Cutri. Faced with a tough assignment from box eight, the son of Aston Dee Bee and Holly Wade stepped cleanly and avoided trouble at the first turn to whizz around the outside of the field, putting himself into a handy position entering the back straight. Turning for home, the 35kg powerhouse was too strong for 24kg pocket rocket Red Hot Frankie (Jack Smith) who was high-rolling along in front, saluting by a length in a time of 30.30. Embrace (Craig Chappelow) finished a further length and a quarter away in third.
It was Street Of Dream’s 12th career victory, with tonight’s winner’s purse taking his earnings above the $100,000 mark.
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