Exciting prospect Pepper Keeping has made a one act affair of the Ladbrokes Gold Maiden Final (305m) at Coonamble on Monday afternoon.
Going into the $12,000-to-the-winner decider as the fastest qualifier, Pepper Keeping, a daughter of boom stud dog Bernardo, scored by 4¾ lengths on the line as a $2.50 favourite.
On Saturday, the Shayne Stiff-trained youngster roared into the finale with a slashing 17.51 debut heat victory and lowered that time in the decider, stopping the clock in 17.42.
For trainer Shayne Stiff, the win continues a remarkable association with the race, with he and partner Charmaine Roberts now responsible for winning six stagings of the event since 2005.
The duo’s previous victors came by the way of Princess Keeping (2005), Aces Keeping (2009), Maloo Keeping (2013), Canya Touche (2016) and Kip Keeping which landed the January 2022 edition of the race which was rescheduled due to Covid.
“Behind every good man is a good woman and when it comes to Charmaine I’m the luckiest bloke in the world,” Stiff said at the presentation.
“I wanted to sack these dogs and move them on and it was Charmaine that ordered we be patient and persevere and this has been the outcome.
“It’s just a fantastic result on a great weekend of racing, couldn’t be happier.
“And also a big thanks to club president Graham Pickering and secretary Courtney Norbury, the work they do behind the scenes is second to none.”
Finishing second in the decider was Blue Jean for John Miles and Sue Smith, the result handing sire Bernardo the quinella in the final.
Third was Spring Cedar another half-a-length away.
Meanwhile, the Sires On Ice Bronze Final (305m) was annexed by Roger The Dodger also for Shayne Stiff, the son of Bernardo, a brother to Pepper Keeping, getting the job done in 17.43.
The Hypo Magic Silver Final (305m) was won by Whiskey Cobbler for Sue Smith and John Miles, the son of Hooked On Scotch scoring in 17.65.
In all, 54 races were staged across the carnival in front of strong crowds and a hive of betting activity.
