The Terry Jordan-trained Fernando Blaster finally snared his Group race victory with success in the Group 2 Lismore Cup on Tuesday night, but it came amid a night of drama at the track.
Buck’s Future, who was battling Fernando Blaster for favourtism for the event after they both clocked 29.68s in the heats last week, was a sensational late scratching when stewards found the dog had split webbing on his paw.
Also scratched pre-race was fellow heat winner from seven days ago Sandave Diva, leaving just six runners to contest the $40,000 to the winner feature, and leaving Fernando Blaster as a long odds-on favourite.
With his main rival missing and an empty box inside him, as expected Fernando Blaster jumped well from the two, and after holding out the pink, Quara’s Flick in the run to the post, the favourite was able to settle in front and open up a Cup-winning lead up the back.
Quara’s Flick battled on well for second, 4½ lengths away, with Fran’s Bonus grabbing third a further 1¼ lengths back. The winner clocked the fast run of 29.50s.
The win ended a frustrating run in Group finals for Jordan and his dog. They had been fourth in Group 1 Brisbane Cup last year, fourth in the Group 1 National Derby in Sydney earlier this year, second in the Group 2 Maitland Gold Cup soon after, and most recently third in the Group 3 Ambrosoli at Wentworth Park during the Golden Easter Egg carnival.
“It did make it easier (with the scratching of Buck’s Future) but I still think he would have won,” said Jordan. “It’s a nice feeling to finally win one (a Group final). It certainly was overdue.
“Being a local it’s a race you target, the Lismore Cup. I’m probably about 50 minutes from the track here and Casino is a bit closer for me, but I think Lismore is more of a home track than Casino for me.”
Fernando Blaster was having his first start in the heats after a six week injury enforced spell.
The dog had a small gut tear, and Jordan was told he needed to spell him five or six weeks. He thought he may need last week’s run, but Fernando Blaster was electric while fresh.
“He’s had another very light week this week. He was fresh last week and I tried to do much the same keep him fresh again, and it seemed to have worked,” Jordan explained.
The win was Fernando Blaster’s 15th win from 36 starts, and Jordan said he will next look towards the Casino Cup with heats set for November 22. The dog has had two starts at Casino without a win.
“He’s run the hands off the clock there in a trial - brilliant time,” Jordan said. “I don’t think I can get him ready for the Ipswich Cup which is on November 9, it’s probably too close, so I’ll probably take him to Casino for the Cup I think.”
