Racing for Warragul Cup
The biggest racing event on Warragul’s calendar, even former Richmond AFL star Matthew Richardson and comedian Dave O’Neill wanted in on the action after attending the heats on Friday night and taking part in the clubs very first Calcutta.
The fun didn’t stop there with the Summer Racing Festival welcoming 1200 people on Sunday to watch 12 races and take advantage of the free family day.
But Saturday night is where is it all happening, as eight of Victoria’s best chasers compete for their chance at Group 2 glory and $67,000 in prize money.
Devon Meadows trainer Harry Manolitsis heads into the Warragul Cup with two contenders, “Elevated” and “Italian Plastic”, a remarkable feat considering he only has three greyhounds in training.
Manolitits rates Group 1 Sapphire Crown winner and Group 2 Shepparton Cup runner-up “Elevated” as his best chance out of the two.
“She is a very quick animal,” Manolitisis said of his star who has drawn box seven in the Cup on Saturday night.
“If I’d chosen her box, I would have picked her inside. She likes railing and that’s where she is comfortable.” “Saying that, she does run true to her box.” Like kennelmate “Elevated”, “Italian Plastic” is on a run of three consecutive victories which includes his Warragul Cup win over “Sure To Excite”.
“Italian Plastic is drawn lovely in box two. He will be sitting behind the speed and he’s a pretty honest dog as his win ration tells you,” Manolitisis said.
“Italian Plastic” is owned by the Catching Pen Syndicate, who are made up of mostly first-time greyhound owners who have enjoyed travelling around Victoria watching their very first athlete perform on the track.
Orson Allen is the TAB favourite to take out the Warragul Cup after a strong heat win over “Big Flood”.
Racing action kicks off at 7pm at Warragul with gates opening at 6pm. There is free entry in the second leg of Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Gippsland Carnival.
Although racing will take centre stage with the Calcutta set to conclude following the Warragul Cup, former Collingwood AFL player Dane Swan will also be on course watching history in the making. From p40 For the under 14s, it was a fantastic tournament with four wins and one loss. However, they missed the final on bonus points.
Each member of the team was congratulated on their team approach and support of each other. Patty Ireland of Buln Buln CC won the batting with Patty, Carter Davis of GarfieldTynong CC and Liam O’Connor of Western Park CC all receiving black caps for the AllGippsland side.
The trio will also represent the WDCA as part of the Under 14 Gippsland Pride team at the Vic Pathway Carnival.