Just seven days ago we were writing about the outstanding win by Aston Rupee at Sandown Park on the Thursday, and how he had become the clear favourite in early markets for the 2021 Melbourne Cup which will be run in November. Well if any person doubted his place at the top of the markets, they certainly would have had that fear erased after his stunning performance two days ago. Stepping out in the Free For All at Sandown Park over 515 metres from box 3, Aston Rupee began very well and quickly found the front as he sped to the winning post on the first occasion in a lighting 5.01 and with a two length lead. It was clearly evident at this early stage of the race that we were in for something very special. As he increased his lead down the back and the second split time stopped at 18.58, it was then all eyes on the clock to see he could come close to the existing record, held by Hard Style Rico of 28.856 which had been set in him winning the 2020 Melbourne Cup. Powering away in the home straight to defeat a gallant Lakeview Walter by over 5 lengths, the clock stopped at an amazing 28.790, a full length under the existing record.
The son of American sire KC And All and trained by Glenn Rounds, this superb looking black dog is now destined to be extremely popular when he does retire to stud duties sometime in early 2022. But first he has the Adelaide Cup, the Sandown Shoot Out, the Melbourne Cup and The Phoenix all on his immediate radar, and it will take bad luck to bring about his undoing in those races. What a shame that crowds are still not allowed at on race tracks as to see this dog race live in the flesh is an amazing experience, he is one very special animal. Huge congratulations to his trainer Glenn Rounds and his owner, one of Australia’s most prominent owners, Ray Borda, we look forward to seeing Aston Rupee continue to race in the coming months. Highlight of racing tonight is at The Meadows in Victoria, where the final of the Group 3 Stayers event takes place, unfortunately robbed this morning of much interest, with the scratching of pre post favourite Mepunga Ruby, leaving the event a very wide open affair. Let us see if we can steer punters into some winners across the country.
Meadows Race 10 No 1 Crackerjack Lach $6.50 at PlayUp – Racing in career best form winning four of his last five starts. Put together back to back wins at Horsham last Saturday and Tuesday, both strong wins in good time. Begins well enough to hold the lead in this and that should enable him to establish a winning break down the back. At the odds, he is well worth an investment on an each way basis.
Meadows Race 11 No 3 Paddy Wants Pats $2.50 at PlayUp – Only a youngster, this fellow continues to improve with each run. His best runs have been at this track and distance, where he has broken the 30 second barrier three times already. Raced in the Speed Star last start where he acquitted himself very well so he will appreciate the drop back to a Grade 5 here. He is our best of the night, the banker for your multi bets.
Bulli Race 3 No 8 Go Forward Bruno $2.60 at PlayUp – Very good winner at Gosford three starts back in fast time, then came here last week from this same box and was desperately unlucky when badly checked at the back turn. Still powered to the line after the check he received in a strong effort. This race looks ideal for him. Yes.
Dubbo Race 10 No 1 At Random $1.95 at PlayUp – Pinged the lids here last week from box 4 when an all the way winner in very conditions. This field is not overly strong and is a very winnable race. A repeat beginning like last week will see her lead clearly and she should be able to establish a winning break down the back.
Ipswich Race 10 No 2 State Of Rage $4.00 at PlayUp – Past winner on the track in good time but has done majority of recent racing up the straight at Capalaba. Get his chance here as the dog drawn in box 1 is a slow beginner, so we are thinking this fellow can lead and win.
