Ella Enchanted’s seeking redemption in Sandown Cup
ELLA Enchanted is back for another tilt at the Sandown Cup and Lara greyhound trainer Jamie Ennis is hopeful she can go one better tonight than last year.
Ella Enchanted ran the race of her life in the 2019 Sandown Cup.
After finding trouble at the first turn, she was shuffled back near last and 10 lengths from the leader with a lap to go, before weaving her way through and finishing second to Rajasthan, beaten by just three-quarters of a length.
It is a defeat that still smarts 12 months later.
“She was a tragedy beaten last year,” Ennis said.
“She clearly should have won the race. It would be a bit of redemption if she was to win it this year.”
Ennis rates the now fouryear-old among the most talented greyhounds he has trained, however bad luck and injury have been the hallmarks of her career.
At group level, she has been runner-up four times, been placed across all three metropolitan distances, and competed in three states.
She has also spent lengthy periods on the sidelines.
Beginning her career in September 2017, she has raced just 49 times (for 18 wins and $184,000 in prize money), but Ennis believes that with consistent racing under her belt, she’s well prepared to finally break through at the highest level tonight.
“Being four years old now, she’s a few lengths slower and a bit more dour than she used to be,” Ennis said.
“But in saying that, she’s pulled up really well, she’s well within herself, the draw (box 5) isn’t too bad.
“I think the dog in 4 (He Shall Power) will show pace and dg go to the fence and the dogs outside of her are proven stayers — they’re not going to do anything silly at the start — so realistically she should get a pretty clear run.
“She’s honest and hard fit now, so anything is possible.”
True Detective, which defeated Ella Enchanted in last Thursday night’s heats, is the current favourite with tab.com.au, while Rockstar Beav and Blazing Cartier share the second line of betting.
Ella Enchanted is rated a $12 chance for the final, but was as much as $34 when the heats were first drawn.