Shot To Bits Lands A Big Upset In The 2014 Top Cat Video Cup
Corio trainer Paul Ryder landed an upset of gargantuan proportions when his young chaser Shot To Bits landed the Group Three Top Cat Video Cup at The Meadows on Saturday night. What was even more incredible was the fact that it was just his third start beyond 700 metres.
The 30-month-old son of Bekim Bale and Eye The Tiger (Surf Lorian – Bogie Benz) defeated some of the biggest names in Australian staying racing to scoop the $25,000 first prize. He has now won six of his last seven outings and looks like he may be able to forge a name for himself in the elite staying ranks.
After beginning moderately from box eight, the 35kg black dog found himself in third placing early, chasing champion bitch Xylia Allen (5) and the in form Zipping Maggie (7).
Despite Xylia Allen leading the field into the home straight and Sweet It Is (6) closing in late, Shot To Bits timed his run to perfection to win by 3/4 length in the time of 42.76.
Sweet It Is motored home for second with Xylia Allen hanging onto third but all honours were most definitely with the winner.
If any others had an excuse, perhaps the fact that Sweet It Is collided with Zipping Maggie as she charged home into the straight may have cost her the chance of winning.
The win was Shot To Bits' 10th from just 19 career outings and sees his career stakes earnings move beyond $70,000.
Full Results
1st – Shot To Bits (8) – Paul Ryder
2nd – Sweet It Is (6) – Darren McDonald
3rd – Xylia Allen (5) – Jenny Hunt
4th – Zipping Maggie (7) – Peter Daprain
5th – Zipping Rory (2) – Bethany Daprain
6th – Zell Bale (4) – Steve Collins
7th – Dyna Willow (1) Steve Collins
8th – Bailey Rose (3) – Eddie Lieshout
Time: 42.76
1st Split: 4.99 (5)
2nd Split: 16.44 (5)
3rd Split: 29.74 (5)
Margins: 3/4 x 3/4
Scratchings: Paris Sparks (9), Can Can Hurrican (10)