Local trainer hoping his Last Hurrah turns out to be a winning one
LITTLE River trainer Matthew Nash could not have wished for a better stage for his first Group finalist than tomorrow night’s Group 2 Geelong Gold Cup Final (460m).
Nash’s hopes of a fairytale feature-race victory at home at his first attempt lie with consistent up-and-comer Last Hurrah, a $21 outsider in TAB’s market where recent Adelaide Cup winner Hooked
On Scotch is a clear-cut $2.40 favourite.
“I’ve never had a runner in a Group race before and this is my home ground,” Nash said.
“I’ve handled a few dogs for Brett Bravo in Group races but this is my first as a trainer.
“It’s taken me about 10 years, so it’s taken a while, but you need the dogs and Last Hurrah is a real handy type.
“He’s been around Geelong a few times and he seems to like it. I don’t think he’s run a bad race for me there.”
After Last Hurrah ran second in the Joe Pearl Winter Cup Final over 520m at Geelong in late August, Nash ventured to Sydney for an 11th hour crack at the Million Dollar Chase (MDC).
A son of champion sire
Where’s Pedro, Last Hurrah ran second to fellow Victorian Curt Lee in his MDC heat but after securing a run as a reserve in the semi-finals he fell on the first turn after crossing paths with local hero Feral Franky.
Just one week later, Last Hurrah bounced back immediately and impressively in the second of five Geelong Cup heats held last Friday.
Drawn in box eight, Last Hurrah started at $7.50 and after beginning well he swept to the front approaching the home turn and finished best in the middle of the track to defeat roughie Wilbur Deeds by 3.31 lengths in 25.85s.
It was Last Hurrah’s third win from four starts over Geelong’s 460m course.