Umberto, Stealth impress at Shepparton for Thompson kennel
Umberto served up a huge performance at Shepparton on Monday to make it three wins on the trot.
The Jason Thompson-trained dog was sent out as a short odds-on favourite, paying $1.05 with some online greyhound bookmakers.
On box rise in the 450m contest, he jumped cleanly from box seven to work through to the lead.
On the bend, Umberto turned for home clear of the field and went on to win by 4.5 lengths in front of Master Ogilvie ($10) and War Time Novelty ($23).
He improved on his personal best time over the track and trip, down from 25.17 to 25.14 with the speedy run.
Shepparton R6 replay – Umberto
Handler Luke Thompson said the team was impressed with the win.
“Umberto didn't ping out of the boxes like he can,” Thompson said.
“But he began safe enough and mustered well to find the front and take care of business.
“He'll be in at The Meadows on Saturday.”
Last month, he finished second in the Group 2 Flying Amy Classic Final over the 520m, less than a length behind Dundee Rebel.
A week later he finished third in the Listed Brisbane Cup Prelude Final, behind Country Cups queen Kelsey Bale and the Travis Elson-trained Bear's Bullet.
The Bernardo x Triscay chaser has 10 wins and nine placings from 21 starts as he edges towards cracking $100,000 in prize money.
His half-brother Stealth lined up on the Shepparton card as race favourite, paying $1.75 in his first look at the shorter 385m trip.
Jumping out of box six, he went straight to the lead and held control from start to finish.
He beat home Cheap Charlie ($41) and Smart Rose ($11) by 5.25 lengths, in a time of 21.57.
Shepparton R8 replay – Stealth
“Stealth is a personal favourite of mine,” Thompson said.
“He's a little ripper.
“He's not the fastest dog in the kennel, but he gives his all every time he goes around.
“When he first started, we thought he may struggle beyond 400 metres, but he's grown into a more than handy sprinter.
“He'll have a few more runs around the country circuits, before we return him to the city.”
The win returned Stealth to the winner's circle for the first time since June 8.
On that occasion he beat home Mr Springtime by 3.5 lengths over the 520m journey at Albion Park.
The Bernardo x Utopia dog now has 14 wins and 17 placings from 42 starts and has banked $110,504 in prize money for connections.
Thompson said the team was very happy with what Umberto and Stealth were producing on the track.
“We are really happy with both of them,” he said.
“They've come to hand nicely after their Queensland campaigns.”