Jalapeno hits hot form in 2018 Group 3 Queensland Cup
JALAPENO (Kiowa Mon Manny x Brook Lee Apr '15) upstaged a sensational field on Thursday night to take out the Group 3 Queensland Cup (600m) at Albion Park.
Prepared by Gatton trainer Tony Apap, Jalapeno stepped moderately from box six, settling midfield before starting to work his way through the pack.
Down the back the black chaser had managed to find his way into second spot, setting out after Cyn's Magic (Magic Sprite x Tuscany Sally Feb '15) which had broken away from the rest of the field.
What a snap by the crew from Box 1 Photography of Jalapeno winning the G3 Queensland Cup for 2018.
Great sponsors, even better photographers!@MMcInallyPhotos @Puntersland @racing_qld @UBET @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch pic.twitter.com/2G0bgecnQb
— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) January 25, 2018
Swinging into the home straight Jalapeno hit top gear, assuming the lead and outstaying a challenge from Cyndie's Magic (Magic Sprite x Regal Silver Mar '13) to win by a length in 34.73.
“It was a very nice win,” Apap told Australian Racing Greyhound.
“He has got a very big motor – he had a little bit of time off late last year and since coming back he hasn't put a foot wrong.
“He was neck and neck with Cyndie's Magic down the back the other night – but he was just a little bit too strong for her at the finish – he was very impressive.”
Jalapeno took his record to nine wins and 16 placings from 30 starts – his prize money now creeping above the $70,000 mark.
He has been a very good dog throughout his career to date – having already made the finals of the 2017 Group 1 Albion Park Gold Cup and the 2017 Group 3 Chairman's Cup.
Apap believes Jalapeno has what it takes to become a top class racer and says we will see the best of him once he gets back up over more ground.
“He is probably better suited over more ground – he is just starting to warm up at the end of 600,” Apap said.
“I certainly don't think his break did him any harm – I took the chance to give him a few run ons and get his confidence back up.
“I can't fault him since he's been back. Hopefully he keeps doing what he is doing.”
Apap is hopeful Thursday's win will get Jalapeno a late invitation to compete in either the Group 1 Rookie Rebel (600m) or the Group 1 Zoom Top (725m) which are scheduled to be run and won at The Meadows next month.
“He hasn't got an invitation yet, but I'd love to get one.
“Ideally I would like to see him in the 700 one, but he would be competitive over 600 so hopefully he gets a look in now because I think he'd go really well at The Meadows.
“He has the ability to win a group 1.”
2018 Group 3 Queensland Cup results
1st – Jalapeno (6) – Tony Apap – $4.30
2nd – Cyndie's Magic (3) – Bill Elson – $8.30
3rd – Cyn's Magic (5) – Bill Elson – $9
4th – First Fire (2) – John Dart – $13.60
5th – Magic Hornet (8) – Ray Burman – $17.20
6th – Lil Macie Breeze (1) – John Dart – $14.70
7th – Miss Minaj (7) – Tony Apap – $19.70
8th – Outside Pass (4) – Tony Apap – $2.10
Margins: 1 length x 2.25 lengths
Time: 34.75
1st Section: 9.83 (5)
2nd Section: 11.93 (5)
Run home: 12.97 (6)