Velocity Liberty's flawless box manners and railing prowess enabled the $19 outsider to take advantage of a first turn scrimmage and pull off an upset win in Saturday night's Group 1 final of the Ladbrokes Peter Mosman Classic at Wentworth Park.
Trained by Robyn Goodwin at Kanahooka, near Dapto, Velocity Liberty dashed away with a five lengths' lead in the middle stages and hung on to win by a half-length from Zipping Falcon with Two Times Twice in identical margin away third.
The winner covered the 520m in 30.26, well outside the race record established by her sire Fernando Bale when he won the 2015 final in 29.27sec.
Velocity Liberty jumped in front from box two but was soon joined in the lead by favourites Beast Unleashed (box three), My Redeemeer (five) and Chief's Empire (eight).
But that trio came together when Chief's Empire attempted to cross to the rails too sharply and in the Collision they lost all chance, allowing Velocity Liberty, on the rails, to skip away with what proved to be a winning break.
Velocity Liberty is owned by her Queensland breeder Steve Williams, who raced the great Glen Gallon, winner of the 2011 Brisbane Cup and 2012 and 2013 Winter Carnival Cups at Albion Park.
After Saturday's race Glen Goodwin, whose wife Robyn trains the winner, said: "Robyn gave Velocity Liberty a 300m trial from what we call the 'puppy starting boxes' at Bulli on Thursday and our greyhound clocked 15.87.
"That is Robyn's normal training schedule for Velocity Liberty and when she gets under 15.90 we know she is on song so we knew she was capable of springing a surprise.
"Unfortunately Steve Williams was booked to fly down to watch the race but had to cancel his trip due to the serious illness of a family member.''
Fastest time on Saturday night was posted by the Vic Sultana-trained Sky Wave, who led throughout in the top grade 520m race in 29.77.
Black Forge, prepared by Vic's son Darren, won the 520m Ladbrokes Back Yourself Challenge final in 29.89 while the 720m Challenge, also worth $20,000 to the winner, was taken out by $16 chance Rockstar Kerr, who gave Bathurst trainer Matt Murphy his first Wentworth Park winner.
"Sky Wave is in terrific form and she again showed she is very hard to beat when she jumps well and gets on the bunny,'' Vic Sultana said.
"Darren was quite happy when Black Forge drew box eight but I believe the dog is even better from box one because if he misses the kick from there he can still push through to get to the front.''
Pixel Pak, having her first start, for new trainer Raymond Smith, led throughout in a 520m fifth grade in a personal best 30.08.
After the race jubilant part-owner, her breeder Barry Ward, declared: "Pixel Pak is now the eighth member of my brood bitch Solar Pak's litter to Fernando Bale to win in the city.
"Pixel Pak and her siblings were whelped in November 15, while there are 10 of Solar Pak's offspring to Collision, now 14 months of age, currently being educated.''
Runner-up to Pixel Pak was Rockstar Kyle, a litter brother and kennelmate to Rockstar Kerr.
Their trainer Matt Murphy said later: "To win my first Wenty race worth $20,000 to the winner and to take home a runner-up from the same programme is the thrill of a lifetime for me.
"I am a full-time greyhound trainer and have 14 dogs in work, while I also raise puppies for various clients.''
While Chief's Empire was among the unlucky finalists in the Peter Mosman, his Victorian trainer Darren Brown landed a winning double, taking out minor races on Saturday with that greyhound's litter brothers Percy's Empire and Chief's Sidekick.
Chief's Sidekick was especially impressive, overcoming a slow start to lead going through the catching pen before winning by eight lengths in 29.84.
See you next week!
