THE road to one of the region’s long-running greyhound racing prizes is heating up, with three very different winners emerging from the Publicans Cup heats over 520m at Q2 Parklands on Thursday night.
First run in 1994, the Publicans Cup has become an established fixture on the racing calendar, and this year’s heats produced everything from dominant front-running performances to a $19 upset.
Tuckeroo Road continued his hot streak in the opening heat, making it three wins on the bounce with another impressive performance.
Sent out as the $2.80 second favourite, the Feral Franky x Tyanna Bale chaser wasted little time taking control after spearing to the lead from box rise.
Tuckeroo Road opened up a four-length advantage rounding the final bend and had enough in reserve to hold his rivals at bay, scoring by two lengths and booking his place in the Publicans Cup final.
The second heat saw Dalgety turn the tables on the favourite with a faultless front-running display.
Starting as the $5 second elect against the $1.80 favourite, Dalgety exploded from the boxes, found the lead immediately and never surrendered it on the way to victory.
It was an impressive introduction to the track for the Mepunga Blazer x Classy Witch chaser, who has recently made the move across the Tasman to join trainer Riley Evans.
Dalgety arrived in Australia with an imposing New Zealand record, having won 18 of his 36 starts before making the move, and showed in his first local appearance that he could be a serious Publicans Cup contender.
But the biggest surprise was saved for the third heat.
She’s Saintly defied her $19 starting price to claim an upset victory after drama unfolded on the opening turn.
A collision caught out the two heavily backed runners, Gramercy Garry ($1.75) and Nangar Rookie ($2.35), opening the door for She’s Saintly to capitalise.
The Superior Panama x She’s Sweet bitch did exactly that, racing away to score by four lengths.
The victory returned She’s Saintly to the winner’s circle for the first time since April.
