Dog barking for big double

LONGFORD trainer John Blacker declared his three-yearold Swoop Dog can win the Tasmanian Derby-Launceston Cup double after he blitzed rivals in the $100,000 Tasmanian Guineas over 1600m in Launceston on Friday.

Swoop Dog went into the race with a maiden win and a minor placing from three starts.

Apprentice Kyle Maskiell, who had to waste to ride the three-year-old at 57kg, had the $9 chance settled beyond midfield but improved from the 600m to be within striking distance straightening for home.

The gelded son of Husson unleashed a powerful finishing burst to defeat First Accused ($3.80) and One Lotto ($17).

“I’ve always thought this horse could be a bit special and he has improved with every start and I reckon he has what it takes to go on and win the Derby and the Launceston Cup,” Blacker said.

“He may well be the best horse I’ve ever trained.”

Swoop Dog bears an unusual name but part-owner Robyn Whishaw, from Armidale Stud, that bred him, said he was supposed to be named for rapper Snoop Dogg.

“The dam is Swooper, so my son David said we should name the horse Swoop Dogg, but when I put the name in for registration, I didn’t spell it (Dogg) right,” Whishaw said.

If Swoop Dog does win the Tasmanian Derby next month, he will earn ballot-free entry into the Launceston Cup and he would become the first to achieve the feat.

While Blacker is hoping his charge can earn ballot-free entry into the Launceston Cup, his stayer Super Swoop won the Brighton Cup to give the former South Australian entry into next month’s Ladbrokes Hobart Cup.

Super Swoop ($9.50) produced a barnstorming finish with Craig Newitt aboard to hit the front 200m out and staved off a late challenge from outsider Toricain to win by a neck.