Deadly Avenger dominates Perth Cup, stakes claim for Sandgroper
Deadly Avenger claimed the 2025 Group 1 Perth Cup at Cannington with a dominant display, storming home to victory over Kennelmate Morton in an all-Tommy Shelby quinella for trainer Steve Withers.
After the late scratching of Mepunga Tully, Deadly Avenger firmed into a $2.10 favourite with the top greyhound bookmakers.
Jumping cleanly from Box 1, Deadly Avenger settled in second behind Morton, who crossed from out wide to take the early lead.
As the pair surged down the back straight, Deadly Avenger began closing the gap, pushing up on the inside before powering clear in the home straight to claim the $200,000 first prize in a slick 29.43.
Morton, who had been in Withers’ care for only a short time after transferring from Jason Sharp’s kennel for the Perth Cup campaign, was gallant in defeat, while local star Miss Envy filled third for Krystal Shinners.
The victory handed Withers back-to-back Perth Cup triumphs following his success with Uncle Tommy in 2024, further cementing his status as one of WA’s premier trainers.
2025 Group 1 Perth Cup Race Replay – Deadly Avenger (29.43)
Reflecting on the race, Withers admitted he was cautiously optimistic when Morton led early but was well aware of the threat from behind.
“You were hoping that, but then you’re looking back behind you because you’re pretty respectful of the dogs over in the field and what they’re capable of,” Withers said.
“So yeah, have a glance back and see who’s coming to get you.”
For owner Rod Oppenhuis, the moment was filled with emotion as Deadly Avenger delivered on the grandest stage.
“Oh, I’m just trembling,” Oppenhuis said.
“I would have wanted him to lead, but Morton sort of got the better of us early, and I knew how strong this dog is. Going down the back, I knew he had him. I just knew he had him in my heart. We cheered hard.”
The connections now face a decision on Deadly Avenger’s next target, with a potential tilt at the Sandgroper in April on the table.
“We haven’t got a slot yet, so there’s options there. If we get the slot, we’ll stay here. If we don’t get a slot, we’ll go to the [Golden] Easter Egg,” Oppenhuis added.
Deadly Avenger’s victory continues an outstanding career for the son of Tommy Shelby and Avenger Lass, with the win marking his 12th career triumph from 29 starts and pushing his earnings past $260,000.
Currently has Deadly Avenger priced as a $16 chance for the Golden Easter Egg and a $10 hope in The Sandgroper.
2025 Group 1 Perth Cup Final Results
2025 Perth Cup Final ResultsCannington 520m Group 1 $200,000 to-the-winner Saturday, March 15, 2025
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| 1st |
1 Deadly Avenger
T: Steve WithersTime: 29.43Margin:
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| 2nd |
3 Morton
T: Steve WithersTime: 29.70Margin: 3.75 Lengths
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| 3rd |
7 Miss Envy
T: Krystal ShinnersTime: 29.72Margin: 4.00 Lengths
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| 4th |
8 Vincent Bale
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| 5th |
5 Boracay Summer
T: Steve WithersTime: 30.00Margin: 8.00 Lengths
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6th |
4 Maximum Kuna
T: Micahel JohnstonTime: 30.22Margin: 11.00 Lengths
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| 7th |
6 Rare Speed
T: Kody CharlesTime: 30.37Margin: 13.00 Lengths
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| L/SCR |
2 Mepunga Tully
T: Jeffrey BrittonTime:Margin:
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