Champion greyhound Fernando Bale looks simply unbeatable in tonight’s Group 2 Southern Cross Bendigo Cup (490m) decider.
'Flying Fernando' (pictured) jumps from box three in tonight’s $47,000-to-the-winner final as the overwhelming favourite to claim his sixth Group title of an incredible 2015.
Australia’s current number one sprinter made it 14 consecutive victories with his track record victory in last Sunday’s heats.
Terry Reid, whose greyhound Ronray Spirit looks arguably the best of the rest, said Fernando Bale looked unstoppable here.
“He’d have to have a lot of bad luck not to win this,” Reid said.
“The only chance for the rest is he gets knocked over at the start, but even then he could overcome that.
“I’ve had a lifetime in greyhounds and I’ve never seen a greyhound like him. He is just a freak.”
Fernando Bale was in imperious form yet again in last Sunday’s heats, storming to victory in 23.39.
That performance came just a week after Andrea Dailly's greyhound claimed the fourth Group 1 title of his amazing year – the Peter Mosman Classic at Wentworth Park – with a race-record time to boot.
The only thing missing on Fernando Bale’s resume was a track record but he righted that in the heats and looks too good tonight, even though this field contains some very quality opposition.
Billo’s Pick (box two) should not be overlooked and is decent value for a greyhound of his calibre.
Last week’s 23.77 heat victory took the son of Where’s Pedro and Macie’s Bell’s record to a commanding 14 wins and two minor placings from 22 starts.
His trainer Kel Greenough knows what it takes to win big races, he has three wins from four previous starts from this draw and is drawn inside Fernando Bale, which should help.
Ronray Spirit looks a strong placing chance at least after his fine 2015, including two Group 2 victories in the Warragul and Warrnambool cups.
He has a solid record from out wide and has the early pace to at least challenge Fernando Bale.
Reid, whose greyhound also made the Group 1 Easter Egg final before finishing fifth behind Fernando Bale, is relaxed about tonight’s race.
“Maybe 20 years ago I would’ve had sleepless nights, but not anymore,” he said.
“I would’ve preferred an inside draw but it’s been such a good year (and) I’m happy to be involved in a race like this.
“All I can do is present Ronray Spirit in the best possible condition. He is fit, healthy and ready to go.”
NSW is represented by Anthony Azzopardi’s Paua To Roar (box six), who had a fine 23.92 victory in last week’s heats.
Paua To Roar has his work cut out here but has a fine record from the middle boxes and could place if he starts cleanly.
Other notables in action at Bendigo include this year’s Group 3 Ladies Bracelet winner Elfen Bale (race 3), race 7 top pick Gorham Bale and Margins in race 10.
Racing at Bendigo starts at 7.08pm.
Group 2 Southern Cross Bendigo Cup Box Draw: 1. Mepunga Armagh 2. Billo’s Pick 3. Fernando Bale 4. Breathing Fire 5. Shared Equity 6. Paua To Roar 7. Fearless John 8. Ronray Spirit. 1R: Margins, 2R: Dyna Villa.
