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  • Wednesday, 27 Feb, 2019,
  • by Greyhound Racing Victoria

Praying for history

David Geall’s recent golden run as a trainer could reach astronomical levels on Saturday night if either Miss Splendamiro or Melbourne Cup winner My Redeemer are able to take out this weekend’s $357,000 Group 1 TAB Australian Cup at The Meadows.

Geall – who rose to fame after the amazing exploits of former champion Up Hill Jill – goes into Saturday’s flagship event with two chances.

My Redeemer was deemed $3.50 favourite following the Australian Cup box draw which was conducted on Monday at Zinc in Federation Square. While kennelmate Miss Splendamiro sits at $6 after drawing unfavourably in box eight.

Victory to My Redeemer will see him join past greats Tangaloa and Dyna Double One as winners of both the Melbourne and Australian Cups. In the process, the son of Fernando Bale would push his prizemoney to over $930,000.

“It’s hard to believe that some of the superstars of our sport haven’t achieved an Australian and Melbourne Cup double,” Geall said.

“The thing in our favour is that My Redeemer is a very fast dog, who is very strong, and he also has early pace.”

“It won’t surprise us if he achieves the Australian, Melbourne Cup double but if he doesn’t ill just sit back and think no wonder only two greyhounds have done it in the past.”

“Making this final with My Redeemer is one of the proudest moments we’ve felt in this sport. We are over the moon, especially seeing he’s out of Where’s Demonica, who also produced Up Hill Jill for us.”

Miss Splendamiro
Miss Splendamiro

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Geall’s other runner Miss Splendamiro couldn’t have been more impressive last week, recording amazing first and second splits on her way to a fast 29.73 second victory.

“She is a very hard and determined chaser, but she is almost going into the Australian Cup with a handicap because of box eight,” Geall said.

“There is a lot of speed where she is with Black Opium on her inside, it’s going to be a really tough ask for her.”

Saturday will be the first time in history that the three placegetters from the Melbourne Cup (My Reedemer, Black Opium and She’s Gifted) take their place in the following year’s Australian Cup – the two biggest races on the Victorian greyhound racing calendar.

*this article was compiled by George Farrugia. 

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Greyhound Racing Victoria

GRV regulates the sport of greyhound racing in the state of Victoria under the Racing Act 1958 (Act), which includes setting standards and ensuring they are met by participants.

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