Comedy Act's Rising Stars Claims No Laughing Matter

MICK Johnston is unsure just how his classy galloper Comedy Act will handle the coveted rails box draw in Saturday night's Listed Rising Stars Final (520m) at Ipswich.

That's because the son of Cosmic Chief-Who Nose Size has never in nine starts to date drawn closer than box four.

In those nine starts he has won four and been placed twice and is one of Queensland's most promising young dogs for owner-trainer Johnston.

“Hopefully he can use it,” said Mick of the inside draw.

FIELDS AND FORM IPSWICH SATURDAY NIGHT

Last week's heat second to Duffman, scratched through injury from the final, was his first 520m start in two months.

Johnston was concerned for last week's heat that his dog had not started over 520m for some time.

“I gave him a run in between the final of the 431 metre Auction and the Rising Star heat,” said Mick.

“He had to work hard early and I though he got a bit tired coming to the line.”

No similar training routine for this week's final.

“I have just given him a couple of slips up the straight this week,” he said.

Comedy Act has already won in 30.50 over the distance at Ipswich and gone a slick 24.59 over 431m.

“He's a nice little dog and still learning,” said Mick.

“The rails really helps him this week because he won't have to cross the field to find a position.

“It's a cracking field with a lot of pace drawn wide.”

Garrison off the two box has been slow to begin in recent runs, and Scarlatti off the three is strong but not noted for such early pace.

The pace in the race is from Kia Kaha in the five, Very Handy in the six and Snowy Waugh in the seven.

Snowy Waugh and Very Handy sped through first sections of 5.17 and 5.26 in last week's heat with Very Handy going on to win that heat is a fast 30.46.

“I'm hoping he can find a nice position early,” said Mick.

Comedy Act continues to head towards the 520m Auction series at Ipswich coming up in the next few weeks.

“He's had a good week since the heat,” said Mick. “There will be no excuses from us.”