SA Takes on the All-Stars in Match Race Challenge
It was a clean sweep (4 – 0) for the All Stars last night at the newly developed Angle Park circuit, led by superstar Aston Rupee that defeated the South Aussies in one on one speed racing. A lovely day in Adelaide provided excellent conditions for the greyhounds, participants and patrons a like on a wonderful night of racing. Many patrons were on course to see boom Victorian sprinter Aston Rupee, trained by Glen Rounds and owned by proud South Aussie Ray Borda and whether he could break the magical 30 second barrier, the large crowd were not disappointed however they would have to wait until the last Match Race for history to be made around the Angle Park circuit.
The first Match on the night brought together the highly promising Weblec Blazer for trainer Angela Langton representing the All Stars against SA speedster Danyo’s Charlie for Lauren Harris. After a slick beginning Danyo’s Charlie led for a good portion of the race however in the final straight Weblec Blazer asserted his authority racing away for a very strong win. He won in a very quick 30.15 over the 530m journey setting the new time standard at the venue.
The second Match Race saw Stout Monelli for Tim Aloisi representing the All Stars remain undefeated in SA with 4 wins in a row when he lead from go to whoa to defeat last years SA Derby and Gawler Cup winner Major Major in a professional display of speed and stamina to win in a slick 30.24.
The most stirring dual came in the third Match Race where local star sprinter Jack’s Well for Cameron Butcher took on Group 2 Geelong Cup winner Weblec Jet for Jeff Britton. The All Star sprinter ran to the lead straight after the start and many thought the match would be done however Jack’s Well ranged up into the back straight and the pair went head and head down the back straight as they matched motors. Turning for home and the parochial South Aussie’s were right behind “Jack” as he continued to challenge however Weblec Jet in a desperate drive to the finish pushed his nose out in front to claim the 3rd match for the All stars. He ran 30.32 in a fine victory however Jack’s Well went super for his second run back from a break and the South Aussie’s will be looking at him as a major player in next weeks heats of the Group 1 Adelaide Cup.
The intensity had built during the evening to this point where the large crowd were all out of their seats and trying to get the best vantage point along the fence to see Aston Rupee strut his stuff. He was taking on SA’s sprint champion winner Rushes for Lisa Rasmussen who would need to be at his top to challenge the star from the East. As the start was affected Aston Rupee began well and was able to punch up and lead Rushes on the first corner. From there all eyes flicked from Aston Rupee flying in the lead, the large video screen semaphore board to see the split times and tuning into Tim Edwards electric call of the race. Rushes did his best to hang onto Aston Rupee’s coat tails but he was going too fast in the lead and as he turned for home he was now just racing the clock and history. As he crossed the line the clock unofficially stopped at 29.9 something which meant he had broken the magical 30 seconds but by how much? A moment went by and then the time flashed up and to the cheers of the crowd he recorded a blinding 29.95 for the 530m journey. He became the first greyhound to break 30 seconds at Angle Park, help the All Stars sweep the local stars and win the TAB Match Race Challenge. In doing so he has also guaranteed his spot into the Group 1 $100,000 to the winner Adelaide Cup final on Friday 8th October and can by pass next weeks Heats.
GRSA thanks the TAB and Sky Racing for their ongoing support of this series however would especially like to thank the local trainers and the interstate trainers who were able to make the necessary arrangements and abide by Government direction to have these greyhounds compete on the night.
Match Results:
Weblec Blazer (All Stars) – 30.15 defeated Danyo’s Charlie (SA) – 30.39
Stout Monelli (All Stars) – 30.24 defeated Major Major (SA) – 30.47
Weblec Jet (All Stars) – 30.32 defeated Jack’s Well (SA) – 30.36
Aston Rupee (All Stars) – 29.95 defeated Rushes(SA) – 30.42