By JASON ADAMS
EXCITING Irish import Razldazl Luke stole the show at Sandown Park last Thursday night, winning on his city debut in 29.54.
Beginning moderately out of box seven, Razldazl Luke was put off balance after colliding with Empire Allen before gaining a cushioned run through the first turn to take control of the race down the back straight.
There was no questioning his strength in the run to the line, comfortably defeating race favourite Mepunga Fearon in the fastest time of the night.
Razldazl Luke is showing great promise at the right time of the year, with the $500,000 TAB Melbourne Cup just one month away. However trainer Darren McDonald is undecided whether his star import will contest Australia’s richest greyhound race.
“We’ll take it race by race,” said McDonald.
“He’ll need to keep improving before heading towards the Melbourne Cup heats.”
Razldazl Luke made a successful start to his racing career in Ireland, winning the prestigious Group 1 Puppy Derby before being sent to Devon Meadows to continue his career with three-time Melbourne Cup winning trainer Darren McDonald.
He had an immediate impact on Australian racing, winning back to back races at Warragul and Ballarat. He is still getting back into a racing routine, having only had five starts in just over nine months since arriving in Australia, however he still has a lot of racing ahead of him having yet to turn three-years-of-age.
His move to Australia has been a big hit in Ireland, with locals following his every move online and through social media.
“He has a huge following over there. The Irish can’t believe the level of prize money we compete for.’’
TAB Melbourne Cup Preludes continue this Thursday night at Sandown Park, with some of the best greyhounds in Australia looking to cement their spot in the heats of the TAB Melbourne Cup.
The $500,000 TAB Melbourne Cup will be run on Thursday 21 November.
