Dyna Double One will line up in the heats of this Thursday’s Brisbane Cup at Albion Park after his memorable victory in the Group 1 TAB Melbourne Cup.
The Andrea Dailly-trained greyhound (pictured with connections, courtesy Clint Anderson) finally shook off his bridesmaid tag, defeating his famous kennelmate Fernando Bale with a thrilling come-from-behind victory in Friday night’s decider at Sandown Park.
The win was the first Group 1 of Dyna Double One’s career and extended his record to 22 wins and 14 minor placings from 41 starts.
Dyna Double One will now be flown to Brisbane for Thursday’s heats of the Group 1 Sky Racing Brisbane Cup at Albion Park, the same track in which he broke the 520m track record and placed in the Group 1 Winter Cup final earlier this year.
Kennel spokesman George Dailly said he was delighted Dyna Double One had captured his first Group 1 race,
“Dyna Double One is the strongest greyhound in Australia over the 500m (and) I knew if he could get close enough it would be and touch and go for Fernando,” Dailly said.
“It was a magnificent performance from both greyhounds and it’s a testament to their chasing abilities that it was such a brilliant race.”
Fernando Bale started unusually slowly but looked to be in the driving seat after putting two lengths on Dyna Double One midway round.
Dyna Double One was not to be denied though, surging home brilliantly to win by a neck in a scorching 29.17.
Outsider Black Illusion ($51) produced a terrific effort to finish third.
Dailly conceded he was a touch disappointed that Fernando Bale had missed out on the crown. However, that was feeling was quickly turned around when it was announced by owner Paul Wheeler that Fernando Bale would continue his racing career.
“It would have been a dream for Fernando Bale to finish his career with the Melbourne Cup (but) I’m glad we get to keep working with him yet,” he said.
“I must admit I had mixed emotions when Dyna Double One got it on the line. Dyna Double One deserved to win, but it would have been great if Fernando Bale could have held on.”
Fernando Bale will now jump from box three in the third heat of this Wednesday’s Group 2 Ballarat Cup.
There were rumours circulating on Monday morning that Fernando Bale could even continue his career after the Ballarat Cup with a tilt at the Paws Of Thunder series in the new year also potentially on the cards.
For Sportsbet’s Prices on the Group 2 Ballarat Cup heats, click here.
