Sale Cup heats: Canya All Class new track record in gutsy race
The 2024 Group 1 Sale Cup heats delivered thrilling performances at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club, with elite contenders vying for a spot in one of Australia’s most prestigious greyhound events.
The final, set for Boxing Day, promises a stellar showdown as the last Group 1 race of the year, offering an impressive $75,000 winner’s purse over the challenging 640m distance.
Headlining the heats was Canya All Class, who smashed the track record with a breathtaking 36.19 seconds in Heat 4, showcasing his class and earning top billing for the final.
Other notable heat winners included Raya Star, whose gutsy front-running display highlighted her determination in Heat 1; GrooveBird, who unleashed a stunning late surge to claim Heat 2; and Trooper Tears, who showed both strength and speed to dominate Heat 3.
With these electrifying qualifiers, the stage is set for a blockbuster finale in one of the sport’s most celebrated events.
Sale Cup Heat 1 Race Replay – Raya Star (36.42)
Raya Star, trained by Lisa Hellmuth, delivered a stunning performance in the first heat of the Group 1 Sale Cup, overcoming a competitive field to secure her place in the prestigious final.
Breaking sharply from box four, Raya Star showcased her brilliant early pace, surging to the lead on the first turn.
Establishing a commanding four-length advantage down the back straight, she faced a strong challenge from Succeed, who closed the gap in the home stretch and also secured a spot in the Group 1 final.
Despite the pressure, Raya Star displayed remarkable tenacity to hold on and win in a solid time of 36.42 seconds, paying a generous $21.00 with the top greyhound bookmakers.
Post-race, Hellmuth expressed her excitement, saying, “She’s gutsy and doesn’t give up.”
The victory marks Raya Star’s third win from five starts at the Sale track and trip, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star over middle distances.
Sale Cup Heat 2 Race Replay – Groovebird (36.51)
Groovebird, trained by Jeffrey Britton, delivered an exhilarating performance to claim victory in the second heat of the Group 1 Sale Cup.
Exiting from box four, Groovebird settled mid-pack as Iron Atlas set a scorching pace early, leading the field through the first turn.
As the race unfolded, Groovebird began to make her move, navigating a tightly packed field and displaying her trademark closing speed.
In the final stretch, Groovebird unleashed a powerful burst to overtake Iron Atlas, clinching the win by 1.25 lengths in 36.51 seconds, paying $8.00 with Picklebet.
The short-priced favourite, Ethanol Water, faced traffic issues but managed to finish a close third.
Post-race, one of Britton’s team members commented on Groovebird’s effort, saying, “Once she was about a length off, I thought, she’s got a chance here because she does come home as well.”
With her ability to combine early pace and a strong finish, Groovebird has positioned herself as a serious contender in next week’s final, with Iron Atlas also securing a spot for the Final on Boxing Day.
Sale Cup Heat 3 Race Replay – Trooper Tears (36.42)
Trooper Tears, trained by Robert Britton, showcased his tenacity and skill in the third heat of the Group 1 Sale Cup, emerging victorious after a gripping contest with Kisauni.
Exiting from box one, Trooper Tears jumped sharply but was initially passed by Kisauni, who displayed local knowledge and early speed to lead through the first turn.
However, Trooper Tears displayed a clever turn of pace, settling off Kisauni’s heels before making his decisive move down the back straight.
As the pair turned for home, Trooper Tears powered away, finishing 0.75 lengths ahead of the fast-finishing Black Silencer, who surged late to claim second and secure a spot in the final.
Kisauni held on for third after setting the early pace.
Trooper Tears stopped the clock in 36.42 seconds, reaffirming his strength over the 640m distance.
Britton’s handler, Peter Riley, expressed satisfaction post-race, noting,
“A clean run’s vital, especially with the quality of dogs here tonight. We’re just wrapped to get through.”
With his tactical nous and proven track record, Trooper Tears has firmly earned his place among the elite in this prestigious race.
Sale Cup Heat 4 Race Replay – Canya All Class (36.19)
Canya All Class, trained by Jessica Hopkins, delivered a stunning performance in the fourth and final heat of the Group 1 Sale Cup, breaking the track record with a blistering 36.19 seconds over the 640m journey.
Despite a slow start that left him midfield early, the $1.90 Neds favourite demonstrated remarkable determination, navigating traffic and powering home with a commanding seven-length victory over Zipping Kai.
Initially caught behind a wall of runners, Canya All Class displayed excellent track sense, weaving through the pack before taking control heading into the back straight.
His effortless acceleration through the final stages left rivals scrambling, with Zipping Kai holding on for second and Mepunga Infrared securing third.
Trainer Jessica Hopkins expressed her delight post-race, stating, “He just chases so hard and always gives 100%. Breaking the track record tonight sets a high bar for next week.”
Canya All Class now heads into the final as the fastest qualifier, firmly establishing himself as the standout contender.
With his unrivaled speed and tenacity, this rising star is poised to make a serious impact in the Sale Cup decider.
2024 Sale Cup Final: Canya All Class odds on favourite after Box Draw
The box draw for the 2024 Group 1 Sale Cup Final has set the stage for an exciting clash over the demanding 640m distance at Sale Greyhound Racing Club.
With a $100,000 winner’s purse on offer, the star-studded field is headlined by Canya All Class, who comes into the final as the $2.00 PlayUp favourite after a record-breaking performance in the heats. Drawn perfectly in Box 1, the Jessica Hopkins-trained runner is poised to make the most of the rails.
However, competition will be fierce. Trooper Tears, drawn in Box 5 and priced at $5.50 with Unibet, demonstrated incredible strength and speed in his heat and remains a serious contender.
Box 3 houses the consistent Black Silencer ($5.50), while the explosive Zipping Kai ($7.00) in Box 4 will look to capitalise on a clean start.
Heat winner Raya Star ($15.00) will need to navigate from the challenging Box 6, while Groovebird ($21.00) in Box 8 brings finishing strength that could see her surprise the field late.
The reserves, Ethanol Water ($3.50) and Drill Sergeant ($12.00), will eagerly await their chance to join the action.
With the box draw complete, the 2024 Sale Cup promises to deliver a gripping finale as Australia’s top greyhounds vie for Group 1 glory on Boxing Day.
2024 Sale Cup Final Betting Odds
2024 Sale Cup Box Draw & Field Sale 640m Group 1 $100,000 to-the-winner Thursday, December 26, 2024
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1 Canya All Class
T: Jessica HopkinsF: 21131Career: 25: 16-3-3Prizemoney: $171,760
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2 Succeed
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3 Black Silencer
T: Kerrie WhiteF: 42272Career: 50: 21-14-4Prizemoney: $144,465
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4 Zipping Kai
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5 Trooper Tears
T: Robert BrittonF: 84181Career: 43: 16-9-2Prizemoney: $327,737
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6 Raya Star
T: Lisa HellmuthF: 22111Career: 39: 10-8-6Prizemoney: $55,390
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7 Iron Atlas
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8 Groovebird
T: Jeffrey BrittonF: 11171Career: 48: 14-4-7Prizemoney: $78,680
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9 Ethanol Water
T: Thomas DaillyF: 21113Career: 56: 20-11-8Prizemoney: $228,560
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10 Drill Sergeant
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