Tripum on track for Group 1 Brisbane Cup series at Albion Park
DARREN Russell is hoping his brilliant speedster Tripum can maintain his excellent run of form heading into Thursday night’s Group 1 Brisbane Cup heats at Albion Park.
The blue brindle dog comes into the series following a two-week break since finishing down the track in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup final.
Prior to that he had won three in succession including the Group 2 Lismore Cup as well as a Prelude and heat of the Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park, his quickest time being 29.33.
“It was very exciting to be a part of the Melbourne Cup – he had an ordinary box draw, but still managed to put himself into a good position at the first corner,” Russell said.
“Unfortunately, there were four dogs in a line so something had to give and Tripum and Zambora Brockie got spat out the back.
“He was a bit jaded after the final – the travelling knocked him around a bit.
“I gave him a week off before I did anything with him and he has since had a trial and he went good.
“He has pulled up terrific now and is ready for the heats on Thursday.”
The son of Collision and Surin’ Sal is owned by Margaret Dwyer and has won 19 of his 43 starts with a further 11 minor placings.
He will start from box five in the fourth of five Brisbane Cup heats this Thursday night, with Russell predicting a race in two despite the poor draw.
“He isn’t haven’t much luck with box draws, but I think him and Swap Ya (box two) will be the dogs to beat in that heat.
“He needs to be up the front, he is not the type of dog which can come from behind, but I expect him to be up near the lead.
“There doesn’t appear to be much speed in the race and Tony (Brett)’s dog Whata Nice Size (box six) is drawn on his outside and it tends to stay off the track.
“If he comes out the draw shouldn’t be too bad.”
If he can qualify and draw a decent box in the final, Russell says his ultra-consistent campaigner is capable of winning the $75,000 first prize.
“If he comes out he has got brilliant speed and that is the secret to greyhound racing – you have got to be in the first couple around the first corner.
“If he can get through this week and draw a good box in the final then they will know he is there.
“He is a very good dog.”
Also contesting Thursday’s heats are recent Group 3 Ipswich Cup winner Thirty Talks (heat one box one), Major Jackpot (heat one box two), Zabdon Ferrari (heat two box two), Fabulous Bill (heat three box one), Blazin’ Bomber (heat three box seven) and Outside Pass (heat five box three).
The Group 1 Brisbane Cup heats are races four through to eight this Thursday night, with the first set to jump at 7:46pm.
Group 1 Brisbane Cup – all-in market
Thirty Talks $3
Outside Pass $4.25
Zabdon Ferrari $6
Blazin’ Bomber $6
Tripum $6 with Bet365
Major Jackpot $11
Jury $26
Lady Abigail $26
Tahlia’s Way $41
Fabulous Bill $41
Big Easy Red $41
Swap Ya $51
Cyndie’s Magic $101
Whata Nice Size $101
Gelantipy Gold $101
El Chad $151
Angelic Miss $151
Spring Dream $151
Premier Jet $151
Crazy Vixon $151
Bubble Guppy $151
Lauryn’s Best $151
Macnivek $151
Arabian Shredder $151
Elusive Desire $151
Hope’s Magic $251
Josie Rumble $251
Simply Magic $501
Tobias Rumble $501
Evie’s Angel $501
Booty Beach $501
Not Like Tommy $501
Alpha Hermes $501
Sneakin’ Out $501
General Cloud $501
Master Cha Cha $501
Master Corsair $501
Sarajevo Girl $1001
Korong $1001
Kialia $1001
Grim Creeper $1001