Fernando Bale is in great shape as he aims to score another feature race win in Saturday night’s Group 2 Traralgon Cup (525m).
The superstar greyhound (pictured) jumps from box six in the $47,000-to-the-winner decider as an overwhelming $1.25 favourite with Sportsbet to secure the ninth Group title of his career.
After a decent trial at his first ever look at Traralgon two weeks ago, Fernando Bale produced a typical display in his heat last week to cruise home by almost 10 lengths in 29.97.
He did finish second on his last start from box six at The Meadows back in July but with a perfect four wins from four starts with the green rug before then, the draw should hold no fears here.
“If he gets out how he can then no box bothers him,” handler George Dailly said.
“The trial (the previous week) really toughened him up. It was a bit wet and I thought he got a little bogged down at one stage, but he used his brains and went a bit wider.
“He’s looking good as gold and he’s ready to go.”
The main danger to Fernando Bale in the cup is classy Emrys ($3.50), who scored a good 30.18 victory from box five last week.
Mario Briganti’s greyhound finished fifth behind Fernando Bale in July’s Group 1 Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic decider and is contesting his fourth Group final here.
“Emrys lacks a little pace at the start, but he can certainly run good times,” Dailly said.
“If he gets out okay and then takes off, he would have a chance. He’s a threat.”
He’s So Good (box eight $26), meanwhile, clocked 30.61 while winning his heat last week and is in good form, with three consecutive victories.
He looks badly drawn in the cup, though, having had three unsuccessful previous starts with the pink rug.
Win, lose or draw in the Traralgon Cup, Fernando Bale’s next assignment is likely to be the Group 1 Adelaide Cup (515m), which starts with heats on October 1.
Owner Paul Wheeler has indicated that Fernando Bale would likely be retired after November’s Melbourne Cup.
Dailly also said Fernando Bale still seemed to love the thrill of racing.
“I think he’s a bit more focused now when you take him racing,” Dailly said.
“He’s a professional – a real race dog. He still barks a lot when he wants something, but other than that he’s quiet as a lamb.
“You can make ten Group finals and know there’s a good chance you’ll lose all of them, but with him we’ve always known we’ve had a chance to win these races.
“Life won’t be as exciting when he retires, that’s for sure.”
Group 2 Traralgon Cup Box Draw: 1. Emrys ($3.50) 2. Harlon ($15) 3. Clash Of Kings ($34) 4. Sonic Pirate ($61) 5. Dyna Yemen ($21) 6. Fernando Bale ($1.25) 7. Lektra Outlaw ($34)
8. He’s So Good ($26). 1R: Starlight Jack ($26) 2R: Nifty Neveelk ($26).
Prices correct at the time of writing.
For Sportsbet’s prices on the Group 2 Traralgon Cup, click here.
