By MICHAEL FLOYD
PERTH-trained greyhound Miata will start as favourite in the $145,000 RSN Sandown Cup final at Sandown Park this Thursday night.
Miata confirmed her status as the most exciting greyhound of her generation in the cup heats at Sandown Park on Thursday night, slashing six lengths off the previous track record.
The pride of Western Australia began well from box 2, finding a clear lead through the first turn and opening a four-length break over Wandy Neg passing the finishing post the first time.
However, down the back straight, the daughter of Bombastic Shiraz and Winsome Bluebird took off, carving out extraordinary sectional times on her way to a stunning eight-and-a-quarter length win in a mind-boggling 41.17 seconds. Undefeated in 14 starts beyond 530 metres, it was Miata’s 15th consecutive victory and 24th in 27 career starts.
It was the eighth time in her career she has set a record, and she now has $297,895 in prizemoney.
Miata was the runt of her litter, and her 27-year-old trainer Paul Stuart had to hand feed the superstar when she was a pup.
The striking red fawn has now blossomed into arguably the best greyhound of the 21st century and has been dubbed “the Black Caviar of greyhound racing”.
“She went super,” said Stuart after her heat win. “The time was out of this world, but I’m just happy she’s done everything right. She’s pulled up well and I’m looking forward to next week.
“We’ll be staying here [in Victoria] for the week and doing some work with her as we would back in Perth. That should keep her ticking over nicely and be ready for next week.”
Reigning Victorian distance champion Lady Arko held the previous track record at 41.54 seconds.
Sydney raider Vintage Blend, having her first race start in eight weeks, will join Miata in this week’s $145,000 final.
In the night’s other heats, Double Jeopardy upstaged even money favourite Thrilling Brat by one-and-a-half lengths in 42.07 seconds.
Grandeur came from what appeared an impossible position to claim the night’s second heat, sweeping from the back of the field to catch He’s My Future on the line in 42.20 seconds.
Irma Bale’s rise through the staying ranks continued when she claimed the night’s third heat in 41.84 seconds, two-and-a-quarter lengths the better of Lektra Jay.
The box draw for the cup will be at 8am this morning. Entry to the Sandown Cup is free and gates open at 6pm.
For all the latest breaking news, visit greaterdandenongweekly.com.au. Follow the Greater Dandenong Weekly on Twitter @DandenongWeekly.
