Rhonda romps to glory in final
POPULAR Tasmanian greyhound breeder-trainer Robin Grubb celebrated arguably his biggest victory when his classy bitch Hello Rhonda ($3.20 fav) scored an emphatic all-theway win in the state final of the National Sprint Championship over 515m in Launceston last night.
Hello Rhonda won her heat last week in the quickest time of the night, but an awkward box draw (6) allowed her price to drift to $3.20. But those who took advantage of the amazing price were celebrating a long way from home.
Hello Rhonda began brilliantly from box six and had the rail before reaching the first turn, while Be Like Bill ($.40) and She’s a Princess ($4) hit the first turn two lengths adrift but hot in pursuit.
Hello Rhonda maintained a great tempo and had enough in reserve to hold a half-length margin on Be Like Bill on the line with She’s a Princess hanging on for third ahead of Lenard’s Boy. It was a great result for Grubb who, with his father Robert, bred the litter that also produced the outstanding Peco Can.
Hello Rhonda won the Group 2 Launceston Cup earlier this year and ever since she has maintained her form with this latest win her eighth on the Launceston circuit from 10 starts, with her career stats standing at 16 wins and 14 minor placings from 36 starts.
Tasmania’s premier trainer Anthony Bullock will have a presence at the nationals courtesy of his promising stayer Bronelly Jacob, which led all the way to take out the state national Distance final over 720m. Bronelly Jacob ($2.40) showed his customary early speed to lead at the first turn while the other equal favourite Dahlhaus ($2.40) settled second with Country Psycho ($8) a close-up third as the field dashed up the home straight the first time.
Dahlhaus edged his way off the rail to challenge approaching the home turn, while Alarming Betty ($16) started to close the gap.
But Bronelly Jacob refused to wilt and fought on gamely to defeat Alarming Betty, which edged out Dahlhaus. The national finals — each worth $75,000 to the winner — will be held at the Cannington track in Perth, Western Australia, on August 24.