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  • Friday, 02 Mar, 2018,
  • by Molly Haines

In your Herald Sun today; Fanta marks keep falling

Don’t miss your FREE Australian Cup wrap in today’s Herald Sun, featuring key stories, statistics and the inside word from trainers ahead of Saturday night’s Australian Cup and Super Stayers at The Meadows.

Page 2 - Fanta Bale with AFL Superstar Brent Harvey and Britton Kennels Foreman, Peter Riley - Photo Credit Clint Anderson

 

CHAMPION Victorian greyhound Fanta Bale will continue to re-write greyhound racing history books if she wins the Group 1 Australian Super Stayers at The Meadows tomorrow night.

A win in Saturday night’s $142,750 feature (725m) will see her surpass the great Fernando Bale’s prize money record as well as recording the highest number of Group 1 victories in Australia (nine).

“She isn’t the fastest greyhound I’ve ever trained but she is what I call a one-pacer. She begins pretty well and is able to maintain that speed over whatever distance, which makes her very unique. She also has an enormous will to win,” trainer Robert Britton said.

Fanta Bale is also the only Australian greyhound to win at Group 1 level over the sprint, middle and staying distances – with this list of achievements, it is easy to see why she has created a following worldwide.

Britton had supporters from Chile, Africa, Sweden, Spain, Ireland and the USA share their love and admiration for Fanta Bale and what she has achieved.

“She is an unbelievable dog. Every time I talk about her I have butterflies because of what she can achieve on and off the track,” Britton’s wife Mary said of Fanta Bale.

“I would go as far as saying Fanta is almost the dog of the century because of what she has and can achieve.”

Fanta Bale claimed her 41st career win in a heat of the Super Stayers on Saturday night recording a six-length win in a best of the night time of 42.42 seconds, which escalated her prize money earnings to $1,265,175.

AFL games record holder Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey is also a self-confessed Fanta Bale fan, posing for a photo with the champ following her heat win.

Lara-based Britton has three greyhounds engaged in the Super Stayers; Fanta Bale (box 1), Bolt Like Bekim (box 2) and up and comer Rippin’ Sam (box 3).

“Fanta Bale and Rippin’ Sam are very different dogs. Fanta Bale makes the pace – catch me if you can – while Rippin’ Sam makes his runs from behind, but if I put them around solo or two-out Rippin’ Sam would go faster,” Britton said.

Rippin’ Sam is a winner of seven races from 18 starts and has only been beaten twice since stepping up to the 700-metre distance where he finished second to Packey Keeping and Fanta Bale.

“Rippin’ Sam has definitely got the ability to win it – his times say that – and he has been racing against some very good dogs,” Britton said.

Molly HainesMolly Haines

Molly Haines

Communication Assistant at Greyhound Racing Victoria with 16 years of experience working with greyhounds in all capacities.

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