Jason Fletcher is targeting more Group wins for his Hot kennel after Fantastic Spiral’s victory in the Group 1 Greyhound-data.com Dapto Megastar (520m).
This year’s Group 3 Nowra Puppy Classic winner ($8.90) held off a valiant challenge by Keybow to take the $67,500 top prize at the Illawarra track.
Hot pup and kennelmate Fantastic Dotty was the $2.90 favourite for Friday night’s race, but finished third after jumping slowly.
Fantastic Spiral’s owner-trainer Fletcher admitted it had been a nerve-racking affair before his greyhound sealed victory by a length in 29.51 – the first Group 1 victory for Fletcher as a trainer.
“I reckon I would’ve made a good jockey,” Fletcher (pictured with family and Fantastic Spiral) said. “I was riding him home pretty hard over that last 100 metres.
“There were a few worrying moments up the back straight. It certainly wasn’t over until he crossed the line.
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to get a Group 1 title and I’m so glad I’ve had this opportunity. I hope I can win a few more now.”
The win took Fantastic Spiral’s career record to 16 wins and 10 minor placings from 29 starts, with his prize money earnings a shade under $130,000.
Fletcher said his greyhound’s recent spell with gun Victorian trainer Kel Greenough, which included a win over the 460m at Warragul last month, had been key to the win.
“I’ve got to thank Kel,” Fletcher said. “I only got Fantastic Spiral back about 11 days ago (but) he was in great condition.
“He’s mad railer, but this was the first time he had drawn an inside box since the Nowra Puppy Classic back in May.
“When he’s close to the rail, he’s very hard to beat.”
Fantastic Spiral is part of a super litter by Light Fantastic out of Spiral Nikita that also includes Fantastic Sid, a winner of 15 of his 35 starts so far.
It also continued Fletcher’s notable run of success since he moved to the NSW Southern Highlands town of Appin a few years ago.
“I’ve trained good dogs for other people, but when you have success with one you’ve bred yourself it’s extra-special,” Fletcher said.
“(Fantastic) Dotty has her own little support group out in Appin, but I’m not sure they knew who (Fantastic) Spiral was until tonight.
“I’m sure they do now.”
To complete Fletcher’s terrific night, Fantastic Dotty’s sibling Fantastic Tail set a new 600m track record of 34.09 in race four.
In other Dapto action, DEAN Swain’s newcomer Tilly’s Boy (race two) and Anthony Azzopardi’s Kevin In Bangkok (race five) both scored impressive wins over the 520m.
