A brilliant finishing burst and exceptional track sense has seen The Freight Train - Pindari Express - become the first dog to win back to back Cyril Rowe Bulli Gold Cup Finals.
Just 12 months ago Pindari Express gave his trainer Tracey Scruse her first Group success with a stunning win over the likes of Feral Franky and Black Forge, and on Saturday night , he showed that following a lay-off, he’s back to his best, and, should Tracey decide to go that way, the only dog in her kennel would be ready for an assault on the Group 1 Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg next month.
The flying Turbo Thomas led the all-star field early, but Pindari Express - a finalist last October in the world’s richest greyhound race, the TAB Million Dollar Chase - was able to position up midfield heading to the top turn. He then managed to miss the backwash of a scrimmage ahead of him, and swinging for home, he had Turbo Thomas in his sights.
But unlike the way he usually storms home, down the outside of the track, Pindari Express saw Turbo Thomas moving up the track, switched back inside the leader and charged by him, going on win the Group 2 Final by 2¼ lengths in 26.07s, faster than the 26.16s he ran 12 months earlier.
Turbo Thomas held on well for second with Ebby Infrared running home for third a further ¾ length away.
Ironically, Pindari Express has never won a heat of the Bulli Gold Cup. He finished second to Turbo Thomas in this year in the heats last week, and was third to Feral Franky in last year’s Cup heats.
“I’m ecstatic. I can’t believe it. It’s fantastic,” an emotional Tracey Scruse said.
“It does mean a lot. He’s coming toward the end of his racing career. He’s four in May. To beat these young dogs, and to go back to back - I believe he’s the first dog to go back to back ... it’s unreal.”
Pindari Express exited the six box on Saturday night, and wearing the green rug is certainly a favourite for the dog. He has now had six starts from box six for five wins and one second, that second coming last week in the heat.
The win also improved his Bulli record to 14 starts 10 wins and three seconds and a third.
“He is special. This is his track. He has plenty of room to wind up and run them down. He’s not brilliant early as we know.
“He’s a magnificent dog. He means the world to our family. He was our first city winner, our first Group winner, our first record holder and hopefully our first stud dog.”
The win takes Pindari Express’s overall record to 32 starts for 18 wins and 10 placings, and the $40,000 first prize took him over the $100,000 mark, with his career earnings now at $138,470.
