Adelaide Cup win sees Aqua Cheetah stride into Topgun contention
TIA Robertson experienced the biggest thrill during her time in greyhound racing last Friday night when her exciting greyhound Aqua Cheetah won the Group 1 Adelaide Cup (515m) at Angle Park.
Stepping well from box three, Aqua Cheetah was able to push up to assume the lead in the run to the first turn and from there it was a case of times and margins, crossing the line two lengths clear of Worm Burner in 29.41.
Despite being a double figure chance going into the race, Roberston says she always knew the Jason Thompson-trained greyhound had immense potential.
“We knew he was good, Jason knew he was good, but he blew out to $15 before the race,” Robertson told Australian Racing Greyhound.
“His biggest problem is that he isn't the fastest beginner, but he has got a great second section and he is as strong as an ox so if he can get a clear run, he's home.
“Luckily for us he was able to get a bit of room on Friday night and he just shot through.
“The best thing is he is only just hitting his straps…he could be anything.”
Robertson owns Aqua Cheetah with her husband Ian and friend Mark Morgan, with the victory especially rewarding considering they bred the son of Cosmic Rumble and Dalta Bale.
“We are absolutely over the moon. People can go their whole careers breeding dogs and never get a group dog, so we are incredibly thankful that it has finally happened for us.
“My parents dabbled in greyhounds as a hobby and when my husband and I moved to Wagga 10 years ago we decided to purchase two acres and have a go ourselves.
“A few years ago my husband and I bought his mother, Dalta Bale, through a friend of ours, Margaret Bannerman.
“She was a Wheeler bitch and we bought her specifically for breeding. When choosing sires, we really wanted to go to Cosmic Rumble because we thought it would be a good cross.
“We picked two pups from the litter and sold the remainder at the Richmond Puppy Auction…and we half own him with my partner's childhood friend Mark Morgan who pretty much half owns all of our dogs.
“We sent him and his brother up to Sydney to John Ayoub as pups after break-in. We knew they both had a bit of ability and because my husband and I work full-time we don't really have the time to travel with good dogs.
“The first time John trialled them he called us up and told us that he was going to be amazing.”
Having won the 2016 Bathurst Gold Cup at just his fourth start, the decision was made after start seven to send the fawn flash down to Victoria to join the kennel of Jason Thompson.
Since then he has matured into a top class chaser, having also finished second in the Group 2 Bob Payne Spring Sprint and the Group 3 Cranbourne Puppy Classic.
Aqua Cheetah's Adelaide Cup win took his career record to 12 wins and 11 placings from 30 starts, with his career earnings now standing at $148,113.
The triumph also saw him gain a first round invitation to compete in the Group 1 Topgun at The Meadows on October 22, with the final field set to be announced on Tuesday night.
“We have got our fingers crossed,” Roberston said.
“The Adelaide Cup came up without much notice so unfortunately we couldn't get the time off work, but if he makes it into the Topgun we have already organised to go down there to cheer him on.
“If he makes it into the final you won't see anyone down there with a bigger smile, I can guarantee it.”
Watch Aqua Cheetah (3) winning the Group 1 Adelaide Cup