By Jason Adams
Australia’s fastest greyhound Aston Rupee cemented his status as favourite for the TAB Melbourne Cup with a breathtaking Prelude win at Sandown Park last Thursday night.
He began beautifully from an awkward draw to lead and from that point onwards fans across the country watched on in admiration as he streaked away from his opposition. He won by eight lengths in an incredible time of 28.89.
“I’m in awe of him. He’s a fantastic animal and it’s an honour to train him,” said trainer Glenn Rounds.
His time was a tenth slower than his 28.79 track record set in early September. He now holds the two fastest times ever seen at Sandown Park and is the only greyhound to have broken 29 seconds twice (three times if we include his Speed Star trial in May).
“I never thought I’d have a dog that’d do what he’s done twice. It’s sensational what he’s achieved.”
He was the showstopper of TAB Melbourne Cup Prelude Series 2 and by winning a Prelude he locked in a spot in heats on Friday November 19.
He’s the clear favourite to win the world’s greatest greyhound race at $5.50 with TAB ahead of Bandit Ned, Koblenz, Typhoon Sammy and Wow She’s Fast.
Aston Rupee now hones in on next Saturday’s G1 TAB Topgun at The Meadows.
“I’ll get him home and let him get over this run for the next couple of days. He’ll probably do something Monday or Tuesday and that’s all he’ll need.”
Camulos caused a major upset to win TAB Melbourne Cup Prelude 5 at Sandown Park on the night
He jumped at massive odds of $71 and accelerated to lead early. He hung on to win not only to the surprise of racecaller Dan Hibberd but also his trainer Gerry Orr.
“When he found the front I thought he had half a chance of running a place as there were a lot of good trainers with good dogs in the race,” said Orr.
“When he turned for home one of the stewards asked me if he was going to hang on, I said ‘I don’t think so’ – it was a nice surprise.”
Camulos gained a start after the significant scratching of gun sprinter Aston Fastnet. Camulos was withdrawn from an event later in the night as he was a reserve for the Preludes.
“I was a little bit depressed. He was drawn in Race 10 where I thought he had a good chance. He’s into Cup heats now and as I keep saying you can’t win it from home sitting on the couch.”
After conversations with mates the morning of the race Orr wasn’t filled with confidence however he had the last laugh.
“They said it’s going to be a long drive to Sandown to come last.”
Camulos was initially given away free of charge early in his career but once he began racing Orr identified talent and went pursuing.
“After watching his races I thought he’s got a bit of potential. So I rang up and made an offer, it was taken and then he won his first three races for me at Warragul.”
The next round of TAB Melbourne Cup Preludes is on Thursday November 11 and it’s the final chance for greyhounds to qualify for the heats. The night will also feature the four-dog Shootout in which all finalists will be exempt into Cup heats.
The TAB Melbourne Cup final will be run on Friday November 26.
