Matt Loch triumphs in 2024 Group 2 Warrnambool Cup final
Despite racing in his first black-type final, Matt Loch was able to find the lead and race away to win the 2024 Group 2 Warrnambool Cup final on Wednesday night, May 1, 2024.
Winning trainer Michelle Mallia was one of two trainers with two hopes going in to the $55,000 to-the-winner final, and both her greyhounds were well in the market, with Matt Loch from box four starting as the second favourite at +280 with greyhound betting sites, and Fernando Phil from box five starting as the third favourite at +430.
Dominant heat winner Morton started as the punters elect and online bookmakers favourite from box three, paying +230.
At box-rise, it was Fernando Phil (5) who pounced on the lead, and held out Description (7) and Bernie Burrow (8) to his outside.
As Flying Zulu tried to get toward the rail, Fernando Phil fought to hold his ground, which in turn allowed Matt Loch (4) to boot up along the inside, take advantage of the interference, and burst to the lead.
Matt Loch, bred and majority-owned by trainer Mallia, made every post a winner from that point, going on to win by 2.57 lengths from fast-finishing Morton, and Trooper Tears a further 0.79 lengths back in third.
Fernando Phil, who effectively ran cover for kennelmate and winner Matt Loch, finished fourth.
2024 Group 2 Warrnambool Cup – Matt Loch (24.99) T: Michelle Mallia
Matt Loch, by Aussie Infrared out of Stepping, has now won 12 of his 25 race starts , with a further six placings.
The 35kg black dog, who has yet to win in town, has now won $94,725 for his connections.
It is likely Mallia will keep Matt Loch to the one turn country circuit for now due to a severe stopper tendon injury that threatened Matt Loch's racing career, paying tribute to fellow Victorian trainer Anthony Azzopardi for his advice in helping to get him back on track.
“He ripped the tendon right off the stopper bone.
“I just took my time with him and lasered him every single day for five months.
“I've also got to thank Anthony Azzopardi for his help and advice in getting the dog back,” said Mallia.
Matt Loch will next race in the 2024 Listed Western Districts Derby at Ballarat on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
2024 Group 2 Warrnambool Cup
2024 Warrnambool Cup Results Warrnambool 450m Group 2 $55,000 to-the-winner Wednesday, May 1, 2024 24.99
|
|
| 1st |
4 Matt Loch
T: Michelle Mallia 24.99 – $55,000 +280
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| 2nd |
3 Morton
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| 3rd |
2 Trooper Tears
T: Rob Britton 25.23 3.36 lengths $8,000 +1320
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| 4th |
5 Fernando Phil
T: Michelle Mallia 25.26 3.77 lengths $4,000 +430
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| 5th |
1 Super Shanks
T: Carl Haas 25.42 6.13 lengths +2290
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| 6th |
7 Description
T: Bec Gibbons 25.59 8.5 lengths +2080
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| 7th |
6 Flying Zulu
T: Jason Thompson 26.09 15.7 lengths +880
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| 8th |
8 Bernie Burrow
T: Jason Thompson 26.89 27.174 lengths +500
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