Unreal Speed powers to Group 1 Fanta Bale Stayers victory
Unreal Speed lived up to his name with a dominant display in the Group 1 Fanta Bale Stayers Final at The Meadows on Saturday, February 22.
The Robert Britton-trained star took control mid-race and surged clear to claim victory in 42.49, securing the $100,000 winner’s prize.
Breaking well from the middle draw as the $2.50 bookmaker favourite, Unreal Speed quickly positioned himself behind early leader Groovebird before making his move with a powerful mid-race burst.
With a three-length lead heading into the final turn, he held off a strong late challenge from Pass Mark, who finished one and a half lengths back in second, with Irish Millie flashing home for third.
Group 1 2025 Fanta Bale Stayers Race Replay – Unreal Speed (42.29)
Post-race, Peter Riley, the kennel representative, expressed his satisfaction with Unreal Speed’s performance, saying, “That was a pretty easy watch. When you’ve got a dog of this quality, you’ve got to be a chance. It’s not over until you cross the line, but we were very happy with the run.”
Riley also reflected on the challenges Unreal Speed faced leading up to this race, stating, “This was going to be his race last year before he was scratched. We didn’t see him until a couple of weeks ago, so all credit to Rob Britton for getting him back to where he is now. It’s wonderful to be a part of this and to watch him race.”
Looking ahead, Riley hinted at exciting prospects for the remainder of 2025, noting, “I think anything’s possible. If we can keep him sound, he’s got plenty of value. He’s a happy dog, and we’ll see where we go from here.”
Unreal Speed’s ability to sustain his speed over the gruelling 730m journey was the key to his victory, cementing his reputation as one of Australia’s premier stayers.
His win continues a stellar campaign, following victories in his heat and several top-level performances in recent months.
With this Group 1 triumph, Unreal Speed’s career earnings now exceed $165,000, and bigger races loom on the horizon, currently a $4.50 favourtie for The Galaxy in Cannington on March 15 with Neds Bookmaker.
2025 Fanta Bale Stayers Final Results
2025 Fanta Bale Stayers Final ResultsThe Meadows 730m Group 1 $100,000 to-the-winner Saturday, February 22, 2025
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| 1st |
6 Unreal Speed
T: Robert BrittonTime: 42.49Margin:
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| 2nd |
2 Pass Mark
T: Jeffrey BrittonTime: 42.59Margin: 1.50 Lengths
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| 3rd |
7 Irish Millie
T: Stephen WhyteTime: 42.62Margin: 2.00 Lengths
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| 4th |
8 Late Night News
T: Mary HughesTime: 42.80Margin: 4.75 Lengths
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| 5th |
1 Ethanol Water
T: Thomas DaillyTime: 42.87Margin: 5.75 Lengths
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6th |
5 Groovebird
T: Jeffrey BrittonTime: 43.14Margin: 9.75 Lengths
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| 7th |
4 Shake And Bake
T: Jeffrey BrittonTime: 43.34Margin: 12.75 Lengths
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| 8th |
3 Flying Envy
T: Kim ErenshawTime: 43.79Margin: 19.50 Lengths
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