Untapped to race for Queensland Cup glory after rich Pink Diamond Distance final
Untapped ran herself into another big final last Thursday night at Ballarat lifting off the canvas to storm home and steal the victory in yet another impressive performance.
The 2022 Group 1 Sandown Cup winner took out her Ballarat heat for the Pink Diamond Champion Distance by 0.36 lengths in a time of 38.14, as the -111.11 favourite with greyhound bookmakers.
Untapped will now line up in the $75,000 to-the-winner final this Friday night from box five.
Trainer Dustin Drew was pleased with the run but was not surprised due to her proven ability to earn her spot when it mattered.
“She is an honest bitch who makes another big Final doesn't she,” he said.
“It is going to be a very good race, the final.”
Pink Diamond Champion Distance Heat (Ballarat, 660m) – Untapped (38.14) T: Dusty Drew
Drew understands the strong competition that his bitch now faces on Friday in the 2023 Pink Diamond Champion Distance final at Warragul over 680m.
That young dog of Andrew Paraskevas' (Your Colour Room) is very impressive and he would have done a lot of his education around the Warragul track, so obviously going to be a bit of a challenge,” Drew said.
Your Colour Room is a rising taying talent, by Zambora Brockie out of Pretty Bomb, who has only been unplaced five times in 22 runs.
In his Bendigo Pink Diamond Champion Distance heat, he showed his ability to settle on the pace and avoid three clashes in the run.
Your Colour Room won by 2.09 lengths in a time of 38.27 paying +120 with greyhound betting sites.
Pink Diamond Champion Distance Heat (Bendigo, 660m) – Your Colour Room (38.27) T: Andrew Paraskevas
In the final, he jumps from box four, and is currently paying greyhound betting odds of +380 on greyhound betting apps to win the rich Pink Diamond race.
“Then you have Hector Fawley who is a proven Group class dog,” Drew adds.
“He is a super dog and hopefully he gets to 700m because as race enthusiasts you like to see the best over that distance.”
Arguably the fastest chaser over the distance, and trained by Lisa Cockerell, the Bernardo x Rolanda Hooch dog has shown his explosive speed and set his personal record of 37.09 in the Pink Diamond stayers heat over the Shepparton over 650m.
Pink Diamond Champion Distance Heat (Shepparton, 650m) – Hector Fawley (37.09) T: Lisa Cockerell
In the final, he has drawn the same box as the heat (6), and has been posted as a +100 race favourite with online bookmakers.
Untapped is currently paying +1100 to win the final but Drew is confident of his chances.
“The box (5) is a sticky draw but she can overcome the draw,” he said.
“Her best against the best is proven and she can always find her spot to get the run needed.”
Untapped has started 63 times for 16 wins, and 24 minor placings.
The Aston Dee Bee x Mepunga Fame bitch continues to find her way into feature finals, and has rewarded connections with $329,930 in prizemoney for her efforts.
Those connections include recently named Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) Volunteer of the Year, Lorraine Finn; a connection that trainer Drew is proud to have.
“Great for her to win that, and she has been involved in greyhound racing for a long time around Warrnambool,” Drew said.
“She and her family own a share in Untapped, and its really great to have people like that involved with her.”
As Untapped is prepared for bog race in the Pink Diamond feature, Drew is excited to continue the ride the Group 1 winner has provided, but is also aware the time to call it a days is getting nearer.
“She is going well, there is no doubt about that, but she still is a race-to-race proposition,” he said.
“Her career at this stage will remain that way and she will tell me when she has had enough.
“Her last couple of starts have been really good, so we are still focussed on going to Brisbane.
“The plan is still for her to run in the Queensland Cup.”
The 2023 Group 1 Queensland Cup final will be run at Albion Park on Friday July 7 over 710m and is worth $175,000 to-the-winner.
This year's Queensland Cup heats will be run on Thursday June 29 2023.
The $75,000 to-the-winner Pink Diamond Champion Distance final will be run at Warragul this Friday night at 8:53pm (AEST) , with the race set to be race six on the 12 race program.