Star pacer Izaha produced one of the best performances of his career to win the $12,000 NWTLHA Cup at Devonport on Friday night.
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It was his 15th victory and certainly one of his best as he came off 30m on the tight track to beat Blackbird Power and Illegal Immigrant.
Despite the fact that he was the class runner, punters were a little wary about whether he could overcome his handicap and he drifted from $2.90 to $3.20.
After settling last, trainer Todd Rattray drove a patient race, tacking onto a three-wide trail with about 1-1/2 laps to go and gradually working his way into the race.
Blackbird Power, who missed the start, was enormous in defeat, starting a run with two laps to go and poking his head in front at the 300m.
However Izaha was looming large at that stage and was able to run him down in the straight to score narrowly, with Illegal Immigrant also finishing off strongly to be beaten only 1.7m.
TAYLOR FORD leads the Youngbloods Challenge series after surviving a protest to take the second heat on tearaway leader Machitelli.
Machitelli drifted out on the home turn and in the straight, and it was no surprise that Shes Gifted's driver Ben Woodsford threw in an objection given the margin was a nose. But it was dismissed.
Andrew Freeman won the first heat with a barnstorming finish on Mach Charm.
Ford leads the series with 20 points from Freeman on 19 and Woodsford and Hannah Van Dongen on 18.
THREE TRAINERS dominated the eight-race greyhound program with Gary Johnson landing a treble and Anthony Bullock and Robin Grubb doubles.
Johnson won with Buckle Up Noah, Buckle Up Demi and Leprechaun Dance.
Grubb brought up his double with Willy Bound and Sir Rogan while Bullock scored with Tah Matt and Devil's Corner.
In the main race, Willy Bound upset Devonport Chase finalist Bridwood Marshal who missed the start and settled last. He made up a lot ground to challenge for the lead in the straight but Willy Bound had an easier run and got a split at the top of the straight to snatch victory.