Champion Fernando Bale is aiming for yet another major title at tomorrow night’s Group 1 Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic (525m).
The Victorian superstar (pictured), who is being hailed as possibly the best greyhound of all-time after his sensational 2015, jumps from box four in tomorrow night’s fourth heat of the $100,000-to-the-winner series.
Andrea Dailly’s greyhound, who has caught the attention of the country with his tremendous performances over the last six months, aims for an incredible 16th consecutive victory at The Meadows.
The son of Kelsos Fusileer and Chloe Allen has claimed six Group crowns so far this year, including four Group 1 titles.
Last week’s victory in the Group 2 Southern Cross Ten Bendigo Cup (425m) took his earnings past the $680,000 mark – an amazing total for a greyhound not long past his second birthday.
That win also took Fernando Bale’s record to a terrific 23 wins in 28 starts, mostly against top-quality company.
He has only had one previous start from box four – last month’s win in the Group 1 Peter Mosman decider – but with his jaw-dropping pace it should not pose him too many problems.
Fernando Bale also has the advantage here of a vacant box outside him, which should give the gun greyhound even more space to move.
He is pricing here at $1.10 with Sportsbet – incredible for a race containing the likes of quality Victorians Armed And Ready (box three) and Cosmic Owl in box six.
Andrea Dailly’s half-brother George, who handled Fernando Bale at his latest victory last week, has reported the greyhound pulled up well from that triumph and is in great condition.
Some of Australia’s best greyhounds will contest the 12 heats, with some great racing in action.
Other notables involved include this year’s Group 3 Evans and Son Jewellers Ladies Bracelet winner Elfen Bale (heat one) and 2015 Golden Easter Egg placegetter Dawkins Bale (heat two).
Fernando Bale’s kennelmate Dyna Double One, who recently set a 520m track record at Albion Park and is widely considered Australia’s second best current sprinter, goes in heat eight.
One tempting outsider could be exciting Queenslander Pop The CORK, who jumps from box eight in the second heat.
He has been talked of as a potential star since exploding onto the scene earlier this year and has run some devastating times at Albion Park.
Others to watch include Shared Bonus (heat nine), Diva’s Shadow in heat 10 and recent Peter Mosman finalist Kenju Bale in heat 11.
The semi-finals take place next Saturday, with the final on July 25.
Racing starts at The Meadows tomorrow at 7.18pm local time.
Check out Sportsbet’s odds for tomorrow night’s racing at the Meadows by clicking here.
