Falcon’s Fury ready to swoop in National Derby series
FALCON'S Fury looms as the leading NSW chance at this year's Group 1 National Derby (520m) following an impressive third in the Paws of Thunder at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
Trained at Cowra by Paul Braddon, Falcon's Fury was only fairly away from box seven before finding trouble around the first turn, finishing off nicely to cross the line three-and-one-quarter lengths behind the winner, Shima Bar.
“Of course it would have been nice to win, but I was still happy with his run,” Braddon told Australian Racing Greyhound.
“He found the line well – he just didn't have a lot of luck in the early stages.
“He has always shown plenty of ability, so if he can keep sound he should have a pretty good future.”
Falcon's Fury will exit box three in the fifth and final heat of the National Derby this Saturday night at Wentworth Park, with Braddon expecting a bold display.
“I think box three will be better [than out wide].
“I thought the seven would suit him last week but when you get to that first turn and you are still out wide something is likely to come out and hit you.
“From the three box I am hoping he can get closer to the fence early.
“If he can reproduce the times he has run in the past he should take some beating, but he has to be able to do it again.
“It is one thing getting dogs to go fast but they have got to be able to do it week in, week out, consistently.”
A son of Fabregas and Janderra's Fury, Falcon's Fury has won 10 of his 15 starts heading into the $75,000 series.
The black dog holds a blistering 29.69 personal best at the Glebe track, with Braddon hoping he can show a clean set of heels out of the boxes after a few below-average beginnings.
“He can come out, but I think he is getting a bit anxious at the moment.
“I am hoping with a bit of experience and maturity he settles down and starts jumping again because he can be a good beginner.”
Also set to contest the series is Shima Bar, which is the equal favourite to win the final at $5.50, with the Andrea Dailly-trained dog set to contest heat four from box four.
Other notable nominations for the feature include Black Hole Sun (heat one, box four), Mister Twister (heat one, box seven), Bubble Guppy (heat two, box two), Lightning Frank (heat two, box three), Tedesco (heat three, box one), Matt Machine (heat three, box six), Dyna Boomer (heat four, box five) and Runway Bono (heat five, box two).
Also set to be run on Saturday is four heats of the Group 1 National Futurity, open to bitches only, with the National Derby open to the boys.
Both events are age-restricted classics and hold a $75,000 winner's cheque, with the finals to be run and won on Saturday February 4.
The heats of the National Derby and Futurity kick off at 7:27pm AEDT this Saturday night.
2017 National Derby – final winner
Shima Bar $5.50
Falcon's Fury $5.50 with Bet365
Tedesco $8.50
Bubble Guppy $9
Lightning Frank $9
Hit The Highway $9
Matt Machine $11
Royal Turbo $11
Reviewer $13
Mister Twister $13
Duty Free $13
Yarraman Ace $13
Nangar Bear $13
Mighty Muzza $17
Cosmic Bonus $21
Alpha Lucky $26
Good Odds Bricky $34
Eddie Eagle $34
Panel Beater $34
Dyna Boomer $34
Berridale Boy $34
Better Call Sloy $34
However Humble $41
Black Hole Sun $41
Vostok $51
Night King $51
Aston Ah Chee $51
Too Good Thommo $51
Runway Bono $51
Nangar Rock $51
Knock Wave $67
Fantastic Blake $67
Golden Zipper $67
Roger's In Town $67
Techno $101
Another Gangsta $101
Chaser $101
Big Daddy Bee $101
Allen Gable $151
Jarbass Bale $151
Centrico $151
Lorenzo Blue $151
Agent Kade $201
Kyah's Comet $201
Cosmical $201
Left Pocket $251
Foreseeable $501
Finding Mo $501
Heza Gangsta $501
Canya Bounce $501
Photo at the best track in Australia.