Victorian raider Aussie Infrared produced a sparkling run and equalled the exploits of litter brother Barking Bad with victory in the Group 2 PPK Mining Maitland Gold Cup (450m).
The son of Bella Infrared and Ebby Miss justified his $2.40 favourite tag with a powerful run home to take the $40,000-to-the-winner race, one of the biggest of the year in NSW.
Aussie Infrared jumped only fairly from box eight but positioned himself beautifully and powered home in a smart 24.94 to take the title for trainer Ros Hume.
Fellow Victorian Pantera Nera ($5.90) produced a valiant run to finish second, three-quarters-of-a-length behind the winner, with Tasmanian challenger Cosmic Heir ($36) running on well to finish third.
Click here to watch a replay of the final and the other races from Maitland.
NSW superstars Falcon’s Fury (box one) and Ando’s Mac in box two were both unable to work themselves into the race and finished down the field.
The win was Aussie Infrared’s fifth consecutive victory and extended his record to 18 triumphs and seven minor placings from 32 starts.
It also extended his prize money earnings to a tick more than $90,000.
Aussie Infrared’s brother Barking Bad has been one of NSW’s best greyhounds over the last year, with his record including taking out January’s Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup.
