Grand Hombre Shines In Dapto Puppy Classic Final
The bridesmaid event to the Group Two Dapto Puppy Auction was run and won on Thursday night, with eight talented greyhounds purchased through the successful auction series, vying for the $8,000 winners purse.
The Dapto Puppy Classic 297m was first conduced in 2009 and is an excellent supporting race to the feature event worth $75,000 each year.
2014 Dapto Puppy Auction 520m final winner My Bella Rose, gained a start from box seven as first reserve, whilst favourite runner Exhibitionist for Tony Brett, exited from box five.
The final was over in a matter of strides as last weeks fastest qualifier Grand Hombre, began beautifully from box eight and led from start to finish, saluting in a sizzling time of 16.83, by an astounding six and a half lengths.
Trainer Vicki Prest was ecstatic with the performance of her chaser.
“He went very good last week, but I wasn't really happy with box eight, despite everyone saying he was well draw.”
“I actually thought the one dog was leading and when I saw it back in the field and realised it was my dog, I couldn't believe it.”
Grand Hombre was bred by owners Anthony Gannon and Steven Duchnicz, and was given to Prest to train at Young after a few attempts over the 500m distance.
“He's 34kg and a very strong and impressive dog. He's a great dog at home, but nearly pulls me over at the track. He knows his job, which is great and is improving every time he races. He has only had eleven starts and the more I watch the replay of the race, the more I think how good he went.”
By El Grand Senor out of Royal Pearl, Grand Hombre has saluted four times in his career and recorded his third consecutive victory on Thursday night, adding to solid performances at Young (19.96, 347m) and Appin (16.37, 274m).
Prest now aims to step up the two and half year old in distance, and will commence his campaign with a 472m run at Bulli in the coming weeks.
“I'm ready to step him up now and will give him a few trials at Young and Cowra, before trying him over the 472m at Bulli. I'm confident he will go well because he's very strong and came home very well on Thursday night (11.59).”