A last minute decision by Penola trainer Stuart Sharam to run Sharp Thief in the Cadillac Racing Group 3 Mount Gambier Cup (512 m) turned out to be a smart move when the white and blue daughter of Fernando Bale and Millett finished second to Aston Gozo in the $36,000 final.

“To be honest I didn’t really think she would be any chance in this type of event but in the end I suppose you could say I was coerced into nominating her for the heats.

“And even after she won a heat and qualified for the final I didn’t really rate her any chance because her time hadn’t been all that quick.”

However, Sharp Thief, owned in Mildura by Wayne Smith, did her connections proud yesterday after having to contend with box five but settling in the top three down the back straight with Aston Gozo and Darcy Dakota.

Aston Gozo, the $2.20 favourite, led all the way to defeat $26 chance Sharp Thief by 1¾ lengths in 29.75 seconds. In third spot was Darcy Dakota.

The eight finalists raced in custom-made Hyland race rugs which included the Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club logo and the greyhound’s name. The rugs were then retained by connections.