Finalists from heats on 29/3. Includes $500 Unplaced.
Prize money: $40000 / $8500 / $5500
The inaugural running of the Group 3 New Sensation was in 2013 with the event taken out by the Jane Carruthers-trained Charmed Assassin.
One of the most amazing wins in the short history of the event was the 2014 win of Victorian dog Hooksy, who led throughout to win the New Sensation in a sizzling 29.36s, four lengths faster than Tonk posted in winning the Golden Easter Egg final that night.
The 2019 New Sensation was taken out in great fashion by one of the most popular dogs to ever race at Wentworth Park, the Forbes-trained Feral Franky, which held off another future Group 1 winner King Cratos.
Like many events in 2020, the New Sensation was not run due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But it was back in 2021 and so too was The Feral's trainer Jack Smith who had made it clear the opinion he had of young dog Jungle Deuce.
And despite having an unsuitable box 8 draw, Jungle Deuce was able to work across to the fence by the first turn and then powered away for a stunning win in 29.31s.
2021 New Sensation Winner - Jungle Deuce - Ray Smith
2021 New Sensation Winner - Jungle Deuce - Ray Smith
In 2022 the field for the New Sensation was full of talented young stars, but it was Victorian Devine Empress for young trainer Kayla Cotterell, who would be the victor with a brilliant performance to win in 29.70s.
There were some smart young dogs behind the winner and we will no doubt see several emerge over the next few months, the likes of Doonan, French Martini, and Yuko Girl.
