Allen Harper And Bate/Wheeler Team Strike Again For Breakthrough Topgun Glory

trainer Graeme Bate and the Wheeler family have combined to win their first , finishing with the quinella as young gun Allen Harper ($7.40) scored a four-length victory over kennelmate in front of a packed Meadows crowd last night.

Bate – who had failed to break his Topgun hoodoo since the race's inception in 1993 – watched on as his lightly-raced star Allen Harper dashed to the early lead, carving out sectionals of 5.09 and 17.64 in a dominant display of speed.

The son of Over Flo and Kazar Bale maintained his authority to the line, stopping the clock in 29.82, defeating Radley Bale ($4.50) and sole Queensland runner Bogie King ($33.90), who finished one and three quarter lengths behind the runner up. Favourite ($3.90) finished seventh.

The Lara trainer was thrilled with the performance of his two stars in the world's richest invitation-only event.

“This is such a big thrill. I said on the radio during the week that I thought Allen Harper was the best young dog in Victoria, and I think he has proven that tonight. He has got such a big, big future ahead of him, and I am also so proud of Radley Bale, who has been a great dog,” said Bate, who thanked his support team for their tireless work.

“I'd really like to thank my wife Bev. She's not for the spotlight, but she is the one that runs the show back home. I'd also like to thank the whole team who work for me, as they really do a tremendous job. This is a victory for all of us.”

Allen Harper improved his record to 14 wins from 20 starts and prizemoney now pushing past the $200,000 mark.

The Wheeler greyhound breeding dynasty again dominated, owning five of the 11 winners on the card, including young star , who scored in an amazing 29.69, running home in a sensational 11.82.

racing continues at on Monday week (Cup eve, October 31), with the running of the Group 2 City of Hume Cup over 600 metres, and the Sport 927 Silver Bullet.

2011 Topgun Race Replay

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments