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Fernando Bale will be aimed for the forthcoming Group 1 Adelaide Cup (515m) after taking out the Group 2 Traralgon Cup on Saturday night.
The superstar Victorian greyhound (pictured, who started a $1.20 favourite) secured his ninth Group title of 2015 and extended his prizemoney earnings to more than $925,000 with a typically dominant display in Traralgon’s feature event.
Jumping from box six in typically lightning-fast fashion, Fernando Bale cruised home in a sizzling 29.90 to earn the $47,000 top prize ahead of Harlon (second) and Emrys in third.
Handler George Dailly said his greyhound, who set up the seven length win with a brilliant 4.67 first sectional display, continued to amaze him with his performances.
“He’s just a freak when it comes to leave the boxes and when to get himself ready to go,” Dailly said.
“I’ve never seen a greyhound like him. We try and treat all our greyhounds the same but I must admit that when we got him back to the kennels, I gave him a big hug.
“He’s a one-in-a-million greyhound.”
The win took the son of Kelsos Fusileer and Chloe Allen’s career record to a remarkable 29 wins and four minor placings from 36 starts.
Fernando Bale has now scored victories on seven different tracks during his career and should become the first greyhound to pass $1 million in prize money before his likely retirement after November’s Melbourne Cup.
The Adelaide Cup, which starts on October 1, the Group 2 Geelong Cup and Group 1 Topgun are possible races for him before the Melbourne Cup.
“I think we will take him to the Adelaide Cup,” Dailly said.
“If he goes well there he will either pass or be close to the $1 million mark. It will be disappointing when he retires but I would like him to see him racing at the best of his ability.
“I don’t think we will find another one like him, although while we’re training for the Wheeler family then there’s a chance.”
Fernando Bale could face a clash against gun kennelmates Dyna Double One and sister Elfen Bale, who won the recent SA Oaks at Angle Park, in the Adelaide Cup.
Dyna Double One finished fourth in last Thursday’s Group 3 SA Derby (515m) at Angle Park behind winner Fever Pitch, who looks a potential threat for the Adelaide Cup.
Rinaldo Divirgilio’s greyhound scored his fifth win from five starts from box eight to claim the SA Derby last Thursday night.
Racing continues at Angle Park tonight.
For fields, form and expert picks, click here.
