Victa Grosso oozes class in Gawler Cup victory
The all conquering Fernando Bale x Victa Victoria litter added yet another feature race to their CV with the powerful Victa Grosso claiming the Group 3 Gawler Cup Sunday night. In what was a hot race on paper, Victa Grosso showed sheer class and brilliance to navigate some traffic during the race, before finding clear air late and mowing down Rosie Red. His litter mate and so far superior brother, Victa Haydyn finished a strong third as well, making it a memorable race for the Rasmussen and Schadow crew. The win itself sitting deeply in the heart of co-trainer Lisa Rassmusen.
“It felt absolutely wonderful, really really good. It was great to have Ron and Joan (Schadow) there to enjoy the fruits of their labour and the tears in Ron’s eyes made the night so special.” - Lisa Rasmussen
With three ‘Victa’ dogs in the race, it was always going to be a case of where to look, with Victa Reid first catching Lisa’s eye.
“When Reid jumped, I was cheering for Reid and then I looked back and saw Grosso get checked, so I looked back further and saw Haydyn get checked. I had another look to see where Reid was and started cheering for him, but when they got to the top corner and Grosso was pushing his way through, I then switched to saying `get out the way Reid’!”
The win itself continued the feature race winning year that the Rasmussen team is enjoying and made it their fourth group race which they have won.
“We’ve won two of the breeders and that was our second Gawler Cup.”
Grosso, Haydn and Reid will now go on separate pathways as they continue their racing career.
“Grosso will go back for the Anniversary Cup next Sunday at Gawler because he likes it so much there. Haydn is in a 595m at Angle Park on Thursday night. We will give him a few 595s before we step him up over 700, which we think he will run but you never know until you try. Reid is in Thursday in a grade 5.”
“I think Grosso will get it (the 595m trip) without a doubt but Reid needs to stop running so wide or he will use up too much energy. He will get it but might not be as effective and give away too much ground.”
With the rest of the litter continuing to race in an outstanding fashion, a couple that we haven’t seen for a little while will also be making their returns.
“Victa Daryl is first up after injuring his shoulder, he’s in the Leigh Rogers heats on Thursday night. He’s had a couple trials back. Victa Mikey will be in on Friday. He jumped out of the trailer rather exuberantly and cut his back leg but that’s been stapled up and ready to go. He trialled super at Murray Bridge last week!”
The win from Victa Grosso took the litter’s earning to $250,000, which is not bad given they aren’t two and half years old yet!
Photo: A stunning looking Victa Grosso after his Group 3 Gawler Cup victory