Roughie takes out 2018 Sandi’s Me Mum Memorial
DANDALUP Brutus (Bekim Bale x Rerod Rose Jan '15) upstaged a stellar field at Cannington on Saturday night to win the $30,000 Sandi's Me Mum Memorial (520m).
Open to the best WA bred greyhounds in the state, Dandalup Brutus was sent to the boxes as a $23 shot after placing third in his heat behind Decimal.
Despite being drawn in box six, Dandalup Brutus showed plenty of class, pushing his way to the front early and holding off a late challenge from Trouper Monelli to win by a length in 29.86.
No one was more surprised by the stylish win than trainer Corey White, who was thrilled with his chaser's performance.
“Astrozone [box five] wanted to get to the fence and the dog in box seven, Decimal, used a bit of the track, so Dandalup Brutus got a bit of room to move early and luckily he began on terms with them,” White told Australian Racing Greyhound.
“Because he didn't get squeezed out early he was able to muster and put himself in a good position and a couple of the other dogs found some interference behind him.
“He took advantage of some good luck and was too good on the night.”
White was particularly pleased with the win given his gun greyhound went into the series without a ‘500' under his belt – his last run at Cannington being back in 2017.
“It was big win considering he went into the series straight off a 405m race at Mandurah.
“He only went 30.35 in his heat so he definitely needed the run and then I gave him an easy week heading into the final hoping he'd jump well fresh which he did.
“I certainly wasn't expecting a personal best from him, but it was a pleasant surprise – it just goes to show it's not always the favourites that win these races and anything can happen in greyhound racing.”
Dandalup Brutus has now won 19 races from 55 starts with 14 minor placings, with Saturday's $19,950 winner's cheque taking his earnings beyond $82,000.
“It was a nice race to win – $20,000 is nothing to sneeze at,” White said.
“To win the race meant a fair bit – it was for the best WA bred dogs and he beat a top line up so I am very proud of him.”
White said Dandalup Brutus will now target the Lew Dorsa Memorial next month alongside his kennel mate Max Profit (Fabregas x Belron Cedar Jan '15) which finished sixth in the Sandi's Me Mum Memorial.
Max Profit, which made the Group 1 National Sprint Championship last year, was also just returning to ‘500' racing heading into the series, with White conceding he is still working his way to full fitness.
“He has had months and months on the sidelines so he is still getting back to his best,” White said.
“He is FFA everywhere over here so he doesn't get any easy races which makes it tough coming back from injury, but I am still happy with him and it shouldn't be long before we see his best again.”