Caption: The Mick Johnston-trained Comedy Act came close to the track record with a stunning heat run in The Golden Chase Sprint (431m) at Ipswich on Thursday. (Photo: Just Greyhound Photos).

PROMISING chaser Comedy Act shocked even his trainer when he came within a length of the 431m track record with a slashing gallop to win the open heat of the $22,000 The Golden Chase Sprint series at Ipswich on Thursday.

The Mick Johnston-trained sprinter clocked a super-quick 24.59s, – just .05s outside Regal Recall’s record mark of 24.54s, set in March 2019.

Comedy Act, a $5 chance, stepped smartly from box five and quickly opened an advantage before racing to a seven-and-a-half-length victory from the Paul Graham-prepared $2 favourite Sapphire King with Wayne Spann’s Dark Photon ($4.60) a close third.

Johnston, who was in Canberra for a meeting and missed the run, said the time even surprised him.

“I thought he’d break 25s, but I didn’t expect him to go that low,” he said.

“I think a lot of the dog; he a very adaptable sprinter.”

Johnston’s son Riley boxed Comedy Act for the first time in his dad’s absence.

“That’s the first winner he’s boxed, and he was delighted,” the Karalee-based trainer said.

“We’re in partnership and Riley usually does the catching.

“He told me Comedy Act had pulled up well after the run.”

It was the second successive Ipswich series that the black sprinter (Cosmic Chief-Who Nose Size) has produced the fastest heat time.

The talented sprinter set the pace with a 30.50s in last month’s heats of the Vince Curry (for maidens) over 520m.

However, early trouble in the semis a week later saw him miss qualifying for the $75,000-to-the-winner final.

“He didn’t step away well (in the Vince Curry semi-final); it was a disappointment but that’s part of our sport,” Johnston said.

“He should be a good chance next week, particularly if he can repeat today’s run.

“History says you want to be on the inside (at the 431m start) and the box draw hasn’t been kind to him so far.”

In his six career starts, Comedy Act’s best draw has been box four but, despite that, his record currently stands at three wins and a second.

Johnston said there were some nice races coming up for the sprinter at Ipswich.

He said after The Sprint he would target both the $45,000 Ipswich Rising Stars (formerly Young Guns) over 520m (heats March 16, final March 23) and the $146,000 Golden Chase over 520m (heats March 30, semi-finals April 6, final April 13).

“By then he should be hardened for the 520m trip and we’d like to take him to Albion Park.”

The trainer said the sprinter was fit and healthy.

Other heat winners of The Golden Chase Sprint (formerly the Ipswich Auction series) on Thursday were: Tuta Queen (Cecil Druery; 25.20s), Johnny Koala (Jemma Daley; 24.94s), Adjourned (Greg Stella; 25.31s), Kia Kaha (Warren Nicholls; 24.82s), Hara’s Stellar (Jemma Daley; 25.06s); Annihilating (Greg Deering; 25.25s), Hudson Bay (Doug Gladman; 25.05s), Mighty River (Renald Attard, 25.16s), Rusa Range (John McCarthy; 25.31s).

*****

MEANWHILE, the strong Park Ridge kennels of Jemma Daley and Tom Tzouvelis will take the most runners into next Friday’s The Sprint semi-finals.

Daley has qualified Johnny Koala, Hara’s Stellar, Hara’s Buddy and Hara’s Honda, while Tzouvelis will rug up three – Saanvi, Mo’at and Sedition.

A handful of trainers – Paul Graham, Cecil Druery, Greg Stella, Renald Attard and Rob Essex – will have double representation.

CONNECTIONS will be hoping well-bred youngster Company You Keep can step away cleanly in a Fifth Grade heat (520m) at Ipswich on Saturday night.

The Darren Russell-trained sprinter (Superior Panama-Precious Sal) has been slow away in his past two runs over 520m after successive wins at 431m.

Still inexperienced with just five runs under his belt, the red brindle dog gives the impression he wants to get to the rails and box two should boost his chances.

If he can jump on terms with his rivals, he should be in the finish.

Meanwhile, the Jemma Daley-prepared Hara’s Luna looks the one to beat in the Novice (520m).

Hara’s Luna (Feral Franky-Hara’s Bonnie) ran a super 30.29s (BON) in winning a maiden last Saturday at just her third race start.

A repeat effort would be too quick for her opposition.

*****

THE Ipswich club would like to congratulate McLeod Publishing on its success as the winning sponsor in last Saturday’s Corporate Dollars Challenge (520m).

McLeod Publishing, producer of the Chase newspaper and its Chase online website, had been paired with gifted sprinter Smart And Classy, an impressive victor of the $12,025-to-the-winner final.

As the winning sponsor, McLeod Publishing and Chase will have naming rights to the Ipswich winning post for the next 12 months.

The club would like to thank all eight sponsors – McLeod Publishing, Garrard’s Horse & Hound, Century Pools, M & K Butchers, Just Greyhound Photos, Red Dog Mechanix, Greyhound Gear and G J Walsh & Co – for their wonderful support for the annual feature.

Long-time Ipswich official Rob Essex said the Corporate Dollars Challenge was again very successful.

“This initiative has been in place since 2006 and has introduced many local business identities to greyhound racing,” he said.

“It has resulted in numerous long-lasting relationships between the Ipswich club and local business.”

IPSWICH is preparing for a hectic six weeks of feature racing.

Following The Golden Chase Sprint (431m), currently in progress (semi-finals  March 1 and  $14,000-to-the-winner final  March 9, the club will host:

* The $45,000 Ipswich Rising Stars (formerly Young Guns) over 520m with heats on March 16 and the $30,000-to-the-winner final a week later;

* The $7700 Past Members over 431m (heats on March 15, final also on Saturday, March 23); and

* The Group 3R $146,000 The Golden Chase (520m), launching with heats on March 30, semi-finals April 6, and the $100,000-to-the-winner final on April 13.

*****

MEMBERS are reminded of the club’s ever-popular Steak Night this Saturday (February 24).

“Patrons can choose from a prime selection of various beef cuts, including rump, fillet and T-bone,” one club official said.

“We suggest that diners pencil in the last Saturday night of the month to experience a wonderful taste treat.

“It is proving a big hit with guests.”