Apap bound for success in Albion Park Gold Cup
TONY Apap will be aiming to secure his first victory in the Group 1 Gold Cup when his talented bitch Vegas Bound lines up in the 710m feature at Albion Park on Thursday night.
The white and black chaser gained a start as the first reserve in the $110,000 event following the scratching of Victorian stayer Kilkee Flex.
Apap is elated to have made the starting eight for the final.
“That's why you're in the game, to win a Group 1, it's everyone's dream,” Apap told Racing Queensland.
“She's (Vegas Bound) lucky enough to get a run from Box 1, anyone can win out of the eight dogs, it's a very even field.”
Vegas Bound finished third in her heat last week behind NSW visitor My Boy Brodie, her third consecutive placing since stepping up over the ‘700'.
Apap said he is happy with how his bitch came through the run and how she is feeling heading into the showpiece.
“She's been terrific, I couldn't be happier with her and she couldn't be any better,” he said.
“Last Thursday she got a nice check before the first turn which sent her out the back, it was a nice effort for her to finish where she did.”
Vegas Bound is the $5 second elect with Bet365.com.au to take home the title, with the current favourite being Bill Elson's Cyndie's Magic off box six.
The daughter of Magic Sprite and Regal Silver is the $4 top elect and comes into the final having won her past five starts including a BON 42.12 heat win last week.
“She's looking a million dollars,” Elson said told Greyhound Racing NSW. “I have no concerns with her.
“It was a good run last week and if she does the same this week, she will win.
“I think being drawn out wide suits her better as she can drop out and come home from there, but I've no concerns with this draw.
“On her current form she's entitled to be the favourite and I think she's got a good chance.”
Apap and Elson will both have runners in the support race of the night, the Listed Flying Amy Classic, with Apap preparing Issy Cool (box three), while Elson trains second favourite Fabulous Bill (box six).
The greyhound to beat in the Flying Amy Classic is boom pup Thirty Talks which comes into the race on the back of a sublime 29.66 heat victory.
Sportsbet.com.au currently have him installed as the $2.50 favourite to take home the $25,200 winner's cheque.
The ten race card at Albion Park kicks off at 6:45pm on Thursday night.
Check out our previews of both the Group 1 Gold Cup and the Listed Flying Amy Classic.