By JASON ADAMS
PROVEN performer Alpe D’huez announced himself as a stayer not to be taken lightly, winning his Grade 5 final over 715m last Thursday night at Sandown Park.
It took Alpe D’huez eight attempts to claim his first win over the 715m at Sandown, but in claiming his second win over the trip he proved it was no fluke.
Trainer Kelly Bravo was delighted with the run, however was a little concerned about the rise in distance.
“We weren’t too sure if he was capable of running over 700 as he doesn’t like to work too hard, though we’re very pleased with his recent efforts as he’s been finishing off his races really well.” said Bravo.
As expected the former Group 1 Hume Cup winner was slow out of the boxes, settling mid field first time past the post and looking threatening down the back straight, before storming past early leader Speed Lane stopping the clock at an impressive 42.09.
Alpe D’Huez is as sound as he has ever been after an unfortunate run of injuries throughout his 56 race career.
“Being so prone to injury we don’t trial him too often, but he’s been pulling up really well after his races which has been great”.
Alpe D’huez has predominantly been racing over the middle distance over the last 12 months, but the strength of the greyhound is not something that has come along with age, having consistently raced over the distance since the start of his career in late 2011.
There could not be a better time for a greyhound with the attributes of Alpe D’Huez to be striking some good form, with the RSN Sandown Cup just 50 days away.
“Yes, we will definitely be heading to the Sandown Cup, as long as he stays sound and injury free we will certainly be there”.
