Vencedor wins again at The Gardens
With another win at The Gardens on Wednesday, Vencedor continues to strengthen his reputation as one of the best provincial sprinters in Australian greyhound racing.
Stepping out for his 55th career start, top online greyhound bookmakers had the Chrystal Hensing-trained chaser as a $1.70 favourite in the 400m free-for-all contest.
At box rise, he came out charging to clear the pack and take the lead, which he would hold for most of the trip before a late challenge from Belmont Bullet ($3.80) on the bend.
Vencedor gave a kick to get over the line first and took the win by half of a length, in a time of 22.53.
Trainer Hensing was impressed with the performance given the unfavourable draw.
“Very happy with his run,” she said.
“The seven box is my least favourite for him.”
The Fernando Bale x Ioana Champion dog holds the track record at The Gardens over the 400m trip, posting 22.29 last May when winning by close to nine lengths.
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Hensing expected a time like that would come sooner rather than later.
“It wasn't a surprise the night he clocked that,” she said.
“The week before he ran super, and I actually said after that run that he would go close to breaking the record next run, which he did.
“I don't think he can improve as his getting older, but he is going well at the moment so could get close.
“I will keep him at this track over the next few weeks and I'll look out for some races for him.”
He has 21 wins and 22 placings from 54 career starts while banking $54,760 in prize money.