By Adam Dobbin, The Greyhound Recorder.
By Adam Dobbin, The Greyhound Recorder.
A Group 2 Shepparton Cup bid is on the horizon for Kraken Whisky after the son of Aston Rupee landed the Shepparton Classic (450m) in brilliant fashion on Monday.
In an all Aston Rupee-sired trifecta, Kraken Whisky staved off the challenge of NSW-trained littermates Slick Badger and Slick Felix to land the $10,000-to-the-winner final in a flying 24.87.
Kraken Whisky’s Classic heroics extended his record to 10 wins from 23 career appearances, including four wins and a second from his past five starts since transferring to the kennels of Mark Morrissey.
“Kevin (Eyles) had been asking me for a while to take a dog for him and early in the New Year asked if I’d take on this dog,” Morrissey said.
“He started early as a young pup and rose through the grades pretty quickly and I think that caught up with him for a little while there.
“But now he’s a bit older with a bit more experience and maturity he’s found his feet again. We targeted this race after his first win for us in January.
“It’s great the plan came off.”
Morrisey will now aim Kraken Whisky, a finalist at Group 3 level in the Great Chase and Northern Districts Cup, towards the fast approaching Group 2 Shepparton Cup.
Kraken Whisky (7) wins the Shepparton Classic in a time of 24.87 seconds.
“He’s earned his shot at it so we’ll head that way,” Morrissey said.
“In the Classic he was one of the older dogs with the experience but it will be a different story going into the Cup.
“He’s a real competitor and at home he’s a beautiful dog with a wonderful nature. He gives me the feeling he’s up to the step up now.
“It’s (the Cup) a race I’d love to win. Benchester made two Shepparton Cups for me and I’ve been in three finals over the years from memory.
“It’ll be a good test for him. I’m also looking forward to see what he can do at Sandown.”
With Morrissey at work on Monday, handling duties were left to wife Cindy for the Shepparton Classic.
“It was the same in the heats so we weren’t changing anything this week!”
On a big day of racing at Shepparton, the Match Makers Final (450m) went the way of Sharapova Star for Tina Womann in 25.09.
