Ando's Mac gave Central Coast railway employee Luke Anderson and his partner Michaela Alderdice far and away their biggest win as owners when he made a one-act affair of Saturday night's Group 1 Ladbrokes Vic Peters Classic.
The Jason Mackay-trained greyhound made light of what seemed a tricky box six draw to lead throughout, covering the Wentworth Park 520m in 29.69.
Ando's Mac's time, which included a blistering third split of 17.77, was the third fastest in the history of the race, inferior only to Belfast Johnny's 29.63 in 2013 and to Zambora Brockie's race record 29.58 posted last year.
Master trainer Mackay was at his best for the 66th running of the Classic, taking out the quinella when Mister Twister, the baby of the field, finished second.
Although Mister Twister, having only his sixth start after five unconquered racetrack appearances, was over five lengths astern of Ando's Mac, he was more than three lengths ahead of third placegetter Benteke.
Mackay's forecast went according to script and Ando's Mac was never in danger of defeat.
"He will now head to Victoria for a Melbourne Cup prelude,'' Mackay said. "I was equally rapt in Mister Twister's effort considering he was still a maiden three months ago.''
Ando's Mac's win had special significance for his owners as the dog was bred by Frank Anderson, Luke's father.
"I bred Ando's Mac from Brook's Doll, who was a good winner in Western Australia," Frank Anderson, who trained the former top class sprinter Left Field, said
"I thought Brook's Doll would be a good producer as she is by Collision from Monique's Doll, dam of Are Jip, who has won nine Wentworth Park races.''
Popular Hunter Valley owner Mick Eveleigh, who is recovering after a long bout of illness, received a welcome tonic when his greyhound Joker Jake scored a surprise win at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
Joker Jake, trained at Blacksmiths by Ron Bell, led throughout to win a 520m fifth grade in the moderate time of 30.47.
The win took Joker Jake's Wentworth Park tally to two wins, four seconds and three thirds from 19 appearances.
Shortest priced favourite of the night to score was Where Art Thou, who flashed home from a distant third on the back straight to overhaul pacemaker Nacho Nellie in the Evans & Son Jewellers Final by three lengths.
While Where Art Thou, relishing the small field of six, was far too strong, trainer Peter Rodgers was pleased with Nacho Nellie's second placing.
"She is no champion but is a near foolproof beginner and has now had five wins and seven placings from 15 Wentworth Park starts,'' Rodgers said. "She is racing at Gosford on Tuesday night and I am setting her for the heats of the Group 2 2 Woy Woy Poultry Gold Cup at that track in late December.
"Gosford is a front runner's course and Nacho Nellie has won two of her three starts there.''
Biggest plunge landed on Saturday night was by the Jason Mackay-trained Zipping Silva, who came from midfield to win the final event, a 520m fifth grade, in 30.12.
Mackay had a huge night as he also handled Trip To Eden, trained by Melbourne's Jason Thompson, for a 520m win.
Trip To Eden had won at Wentworth Park on Wednesday night and now returns to Victoria for a campaign of middle distance racing.
See you next week!
