The scratching of Ashby Rose saw four-time group finalist Nova Surf shorten to $1.30 on the TAB, but Darren McDonald's exciting youngster couldn't match the early pace as Boozeroo exploded from box 1 to take the lead through the first turn.

Nova Surf was a length adrift entering the back straight and the pair cleared away from the field, but Boozeroo accelerated, increasing the margin to two lengths coming off the back, to win by 2 lengths in 29.74 seconds. Mirella Bale stormed home for second, with Nova Surf hanging on for third.

It was a memorable night for trainer Verity Cotton, with Boozeroo providing not only her first group finalist, but her biggest thrill in greyhound racing.

But it was owner Jeff Guy who will celebrate longest. The former South Australian reared the newly crowned group1 winner from three months of age.

Boozeroo is now eligible for a $10,000 'Classic-double' bonus should she win the group1 Solo Sapphire Crown at Sandown Park in November.

She also wins a free service to 2005 Topgun winner Black Enforcer.

Earlier in the night, reigning Radio Sport 927 Sandown Cup winner Mantra Lad laid claim to being the best stayer in the country after running a stunning 41.91 seconds - the second fastest time ever run over 725 metres at Sandown Park - to win the $36,000 group2 McKenna Memorial.

Sent out as second favourite behind boom stayer Amity Bale, Mantra Lad sprang from box 5 and established a commanding lead through the first turn.

Amity Bale made her move coming off the back straight to reduce the margin to 2 lengths, but Mantra Lad proved too good.

The win was his fourth at group level and took his career record to 17 wins from 41 starts and more than $320,000 in prize money.