MEDIA RELEASE 26th November 2006 - "Schweppes Melbourne Cup a Classic Final" - Greyhound ...
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MEDIA RELEASE
26th November 2006
“Schweppes Melbourne Cup a Classic Final”
A record five bitches to contest Melbourne Cup
An extraordinary five bitches qualified for Australia’s richest greyhound race at Sandown
Park tonight, creating what promises to be the most keenly contested Schweppes
Melbourne Cup in recent history.
Miss Mini Mouse ($3.10) secured her berth in Australian greyhound racing’s blue riband
event with a scintillating 2.25 length win in 29.71. The Group 2 South Australian Oaks
winner will take her place in the final alongside littersister Betty’s Angel ($2.50F), who
proved too strong in her heat to win in an impressive 29.77.
Betty’s Angel will attempt to become the first greyhound since Sydney Dingaan in 1986
to complete the Sapphire Crown – Melbourne Cup double.
Paul Bartolo narrowly missed out on a third Cup runner when the third member of his
outstanding litter, Leprechaun Pace ($3.60F), was narrowly defeated by Group 1
Maturity Classic winner and Group 1 Sky Channel Topgun runnerup Train A Journey
($3.70).
Despite beginning only fairly, Train A Journey railed strongly to win his heat in 29.79. An
impressive trial last Saturday morning confirmed the Group 1 Maturity Classic winner
had overcome any injury concerns following his fall in the Group 3 Silver Bullet, and is
sure to be well supported in this week’s final.
Underrated bitch Cash Up ($4.40) gave master trainer Graeme Bate his 19th Cup finalist
when she capitalised on the favourable box 1 to secure a comfortable five length win in
30.10.
Pure Burst ($7.30) crossed from box 7 to win the opening heat of the night in 29.92.
Wayne Vassallo’s Group 1 Laurels Classic winner took her career earning towards
$100,000 when holding out the well supported My Shout ($2.50F) by 3.5 lengths in
29.94.
Ryght Way caused the upset of the night when the $55 outsider upstaged $1.60
favourite Jaimandy Coops.
Looking to become the first greyhound since Bombastic Shiraz to claim the Triple
Crown, Jaimandy Coops began poorly and found trouble at the first turn.
After then being forced wide, the Benalla Bullet rallied strongly in the home straight, but
had no answer for Ryght Way, who powered to the line in 30.13 seconds, 1.75 lengths
clear of Flying Kangaroo ($33.50), with Jaimandy Coops a fastfinishing third.
Continued on Page 2…
2
Jason Thompson uncovered a potential star when Run’s House ($9.40) won the eighth and final heat.
At just his seventh race start, the son of Awesome Assassin led all the way to hold off dual Group 2 winner
Vapour Whirl ($2.50F) by 1.25 lengths. At just 20 months of age, Run’s House is looking to become the
youngest greyhound since Kantarn Bale (1999), and least experienced greyhound ever to win the
Schweppes Melbourne Cup.
Laurie Banner gave Glenn Rounds and Judy Hayley their first Cup finalist since winning the 2001 Cup with
Classic Capri with a convincing 5.75 length win in 29.73.
GROUP ONE – SCHWEPPES MELBOURNE CUP
$150,000 to the winner
Pure Burst 23 starts 1163 ($97,395)
Token Prince – Hotburst
Fawn Bitch August '04
Owner: A Cuschieri, J Yusi Trainer: Wayne Vassallo
Sandown Park best: 29.85 (5) (10 Starts 521)
Group 1 Laurels winner at Sandown with a strong record at the track. She was disappointing as
favourite in the recent Sapphire Crown final, but had plenty of excuses. Drawn perfectly in the
red alley and has sufficient pace to hold the lead if she can jump as she did in the heats. Red box
has won the last four Cups.
Laurie Banner 21 starts 1141 ($36,355)
Brett Lee – Tess Banner
Black Dog November'04
Owner: Barry Gibbons Trainer: Glen Rounds
Sandown Park best: 29.66 (1) (4 Starts 201)
Same training combination took out this race in 2001 with outsider Classic Capri. Never in doubt
during emphatic heat win and looks to be well suited from the draw. He should find himself well
and truly in the mix at the first turn. Extremely talented sprinter who has recorded a flying 29.66
from an inside draw at the track.
Run’s House 7 starts 401 ($14,075)
Awesome Assassin – Amy’s Sonnet
Red Fawn Dog Ma rch '05
Owner: Seona Hood Trainer: Jason Thompson
Sandown Park best: 29.92 (4) (2 Starts 100)
Attempting to become the youngest and least experienced winner in the Cup’s 51 year history.
Showed enormous toe to lead his heat last Thursday, but will need to repeat the dose to
challenge this lot. Leading trainer Jason Thompson will have him cherry ripe on the night.
Genuine eachway proposition.
Betty’s Angel 15 starts 1011 ($92,850)
Brett Lee Leprechaun Yap
Black Bitch November '04
Owner: Diane Bartolo Trainer: Paul Bartolo
Sandown Park best: 29.77 (7) (5 Starts 400)
One of two litter sisters in the final by Brett Lee out of Leprechaun Yap. Has an outstanding
strike rate including a victory in the recent Group 1 Sapphire Crown Classic. Not much of her but
what there is lacks nothing for class. Will still press for favouritism despite the awkward draw.
Do not underestimate.
Train A Journey 21 starts 1311 ($121,200)
Primo Uno – Currency Tears
Black & White Dog Ap ril '04
Owners: Steve Karlusic & Andrew Marth Trainer: John Galea
Group record: WON G1 Maturity Classic
Sandown Park best: 29.71 (2) (5 Starts 310)
Group 1 Maturity Classic winner who has battled with injury all year. Potential superstar for
young trainer John Galea and will make his presence felt. Not a super beginner and will almost
certainly need luck from this awkward draw. Will prove a massive threat if he can just obtain a
clear run. Each way.
Miss Mini Mouse 17 starts 732 ($39,565)
Brett Lee Leprechaun Yap
Black Bitch November '04
Owner: Diane Bartolo Trainer: Paul Bartolo
Sandown Best: 29.71 (6) (5 Starts 111)
Litter sister to Betty’s Angel who carried this rug to an impressive victory in last week’s heat.
Won the South Australian Oaks in fast time back in September. Quick beginner who registered
lightning splits for first two sections of her heat win. Is capable of leading all the way. Keep very
safe.
Ryght Way 29 starts 866 ($37,320)
Carlisle Jack – Leannan’s Way
Black Bitch February '04
Owner: G P & L P Ryan Trainer: Frank Ryan
Sandown Best: 30.10 (1) (16 Starts 333)
Giant killer who toppled the mighty Jaimandy Coops in the slowest heat win last Thursday night.
Does look to be out of her depth here, but is a very strong finisher. Will need a lot of luck to find
the rails and then a bit more to catch the leaders. Record at the track is only fair. Hard to have
and will start long odds.
Cash Up 68 starts 17108 ($73,668)
Primo Uno – Reeba Honcho
Black Bitch January '04
Owner: Keith Dawson Trainer: Graeme Bate
Sandown Park best: 30.00 (1) (33 Starts 773)
Most experienced runner in the field which always helps in these types of races. She could be
the one to pounce if there is a traffic jam at the first turn. Only runner for master trainer Graeme
Bate who has made this race his own. Will get plenty of racing room and could prove to be the
fly in the ointment for her more fancied rivals.
Torque Bale 29 starts 1091 ($26,950)
Brett Lee – Ashton Bale
Good beginner with a solid strike rate at Sandown. Would have the polish of trainer Graeme Bate
going into the race which is always worth a couple of lengths at the business end of the season.
Would probably need to pinch a decent break down the back straight to win. Not impossible if he
gains a start.
Leprechaun Pace 15 starts 732 ($42,570)
Brett Lee – Leprechaun Yap
Gallant in defeat last Thursday night when she ran into one better on the night. Another sister
from the outstanding litter that already boasts two finalists. Consistent type with a couple of very
fast times under her belt. Unlikely to gain a start, but worth a thought for multiples should she
make it.
Continued on Page 4 …
4
Local expert’s selections for the final are as follows.
Ron Hawkswell Matt Corby Eddie Caruana
1st Miss Mini Mouse 1st Laurie Banner 1st Laurie Banner
2nd Laurie Banner 2nd Betty’s Angel 2nd Train A Journey
3rd Pure Burst 3rd Miss Mini Mouse 3rd Miss Mini Mouse
Local Market for the Schweppes Melbourne Cup:
$215,000 Group 1 Schweppes Melbourne Cup (515m)
Box Greyhound Trainer Price
Pure Burst Wayne Vassallo $4.50
Laurie Banner Glenn Rounds $5
Run’s House Jason Thompson $9
Betty’s Angel Paul Bartolo $4
Train A Journey John Galea $8
Miss Mini Mouse Paul Bartolo $5
Ryght Way Frank Ryan $51
Cash Up Graeme Bate $16
Torque Bale (RES) Graeme Bate $51
Leprechaun Pace (RES) Paul Bartolo $26
What’s happening on race night?
Melbourne Cup night is always jam packed with lots of excitement for on course patrons, this year the crowd will be
entertained by a MARTIAL ARTS DISPLAY (Chinese Youth Society), BLUE (Jazz/Vaudeville Act) a CHINESE
DRAGON DISPLAY plus the National Anthem performed by Elise Beattie. Also for people coming to the track they
can enter the ever popular BIG PUNT competion.
Facts & Figures
The 2006 Group 1 Schweppes Melbourne Cup (515m) series, offering in excess of $500,000 in total
prizemoney, is Australia’s richest greyhound event and the richest free entry greyhound race in the world.
Fastest time 29.65, Classic Capri (2001) out of box 5
Battle of the Sexes Dogs 40, Bitches 10
Punter’s Paradise Favourites have won on 22 occasions
The long and short Gold Grotto1/2 (1972)
Classic Capri $25.90 (2001)
Legends of the lead Graeme Bate (3 winners): Satan’s Shroud (1981), Fair
Sentence (1989), Kantarn Bale (1999)
Second coming Saskaview (1963, 3rd 1962), Cheltenham Lass (1966, 2nd
1965), Classic Capri (2001, 2nd 2000)
Biggest margin 9 lengths (Fox Hunt, 1991)
Smallest margin Neck (Chief Ranee 1960, Chris’ Dandy 1970, Black Aztec
1980, City Blitz 1995)
Just for the record Hua (1988) set a new track record of 30.01 over 511m
Supreme Being Legendary stud dog Chariot Supreme sired the trifecta in 1990
– Highly Blessed, Singalong, Black Pirate
Tears of Joy Another stud great, New Tears – himself a finalist in 1987 (fell)
– sired the trifecta in 1994: Light of Fire, Zippity Magic, New
Fox
Three cheers Graeme Bate trained the trifecta in 1999 – Kantarn Bale, Devon
Road, Flying Law
Going the distance:
195663 565 yards
196471 555 yards
1972 507.5m
197385 513m
198695 511m
1996 515m
State of affairs:
36 Victoria
11 New South Wales
2 Queensland
1 South Australia
Winning boxes:
Box 1 16
Box 2 5
Box 3 7
Box 4 4
Box 5 4
Box 6 3
Box 7 6
Box 8 5
Show me the money:
1956 500 pounds to the winner
1964 $1000
1971 $8000
1975 $11,500
1978 $35,000
1990 $40,000
1991 $50,000
1994 $55,000
1995 $80,000
1996 $100,000
2002 $140,000
2005 $150,000Honour Roll Year Winner Trainer Time 1956 Rocketeer John Brown 30 6/16 1957 Rookie Rebel Wally Hooper 30 14/16 1958 Marine Jet Gavin Fraser 30 9/16 1959 Capital King Fred Garbutt 30 9/16 1960 Chief Ranee Max Hammond 30 13/16 1961 Bybrae Arthur Bate 30 12/16 1962 Saskagay Arthur Ludlow 30 8/16 1963 Saskaview Arthur Ludlow 30 10/16 1964 Rocket Streak Fred Ladd 30 6/16 1965 Kinta’s Son Bob Bowman 30 10/16 1966 Cheltenham Lass Paul Hogan 30 10/16 1967 Swan Opal Neville Ballinger 30 9/16 1968 Mr. Spot Terry Rowlings 30 9/16 1969 Millimsimbi Stan Cleverley 30 7/16 1970 Chris’s Dandy Alex Kay 31 1/16 1971 Gerard The Gent Herb Siakew 30 7/16 1972 Gold Grotto Ed Tucker 30 6/16 1973 New Mariner Ray Jennings 31.49 1974 Kwik Metal Cap Abbott 31.02 1975 Dynamic Dean Sandra Hogan 31.32 1976 Carrington Jade Ken Murphy 30.70 1977 Mile Post Tony Collins 30.94 1978 Tangaloa Joy Hili 30.97 1979 Acclaim Star Bill Fletcher 30.50 1980 Black Aztec Harry Sarkis 30.74 1981 Satan’s Shroud Graeme Bate 30.88 1982 Kid Scandal Arthur Garrett 30.70 1983 Lady Lilly Colin Kelly 30.86 1984 Rustic Venture Peter Denaro 30.92 1985 Sydney Dingaan Ned Bryant 30.44 1986 Legendary Kid Jim Coleman 30.62 1987 Speedy Mick Joe Schroeders 30.52 1988 Hua Roy Symes 30.01 1989 Fair Sentence Graeme Bate 30.19 1990 Highly Blessed Lorraine Ferremi 30.53 1991 Fox Hunt Peter Jovanovic 30.50 1992 Master Giant Peter Akathiotis 30.30 1993 Silver Chisel John Fleming 30.25 1994 Light of Fire Jason Thompson 30.05 1995 City Blitz Peter Giles 30.06 1996 Henry Hand Dennis Dean 29.86 1997 Roanokee Roger Green 29.96 1998 Rapid Journey Jane Carruthers 29.91 1999 Kantarn Bale Graeme Bate 29.73 2000 Go Wild Teddy Mark Bell 29.73 2001 Classic Capri Judy Hayley 29.65 2002 Excite Ability Len Poore 29.77 2003 Bombastic Shiraz Darren Cairns 29.82 2004 Hallucinate Darren McDonald 29.73 2005 Closing Argument Cameron Taylor 29.94
Last years winner Closing Argument (Pic Paul Munt)
Thanks for information supplied by Michael Floyd & Matt Corby Sandown
Administration.
Any further information contact:
The Sandown Office at Sandown: 039546 9511
admin2@sandowngreyhounds.com.au or www.sandowngreyhounds.com.au
For more information please contact:
Neil Brown Donna Summers
AGRA Publicity Officer AGRA Executive Officer
Tel: 03 97691234 Tel: 02 96465711
Mob: 0423 129 950 Mob: 0414 524 907You can also read
