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  • Saturday, 16 Mar, 2019,
  • by Andrew Copley

Orson primed for Perth

Orson Allen will be aiming to reverse a string of interstate defeats when he lines up in a heat of the Group 1 Perth Cup (520m) at Cannington tonight at 10.05pm (Vic time).

Although he is currently regarded as the hottest sprinter in Australia following a Horsham Cup win in track record time last weekend, Orson Allen has been beaten in his past four starts on the road – at Wentworth Park, Albion Park and Hobart (twice).

“He (generally) hasn’t fired when we’ve flown him somewhere but I feel that he might have matured now leading into the Perth Cup and hopefully we see (a repeat) of what he has done in Victoria,” trainer Correy Grenfell told Simone Fisher on RSN’s Talking Greyhounds this morning.

The Avalon trainer made the decision to fly Orson Allen to WA early in the week to give his superstar a chance to acclimatise to his new surroundings in the care of WA trainer Paul Stuart, who put the polish on champion pair Miata and Dyna Nalin.

“We sent him over on Tuesday. We took into account his travels in the past and hopefully we see the best of him in Perth,” Grenfell said.

“Paul couldn’t be happier with him. He has been wagging his tail and is happy to be with Paul. It’s a good sign that he’s comfortable with Paul (because) one of his traits is that he’s not comfortable around new people.”

Orson Allen is the ‘All In’ Perth Cup favourite at $3, and Grenfell said he is heartened by word that the Cannington track has similarities to The Meadows.

“I’ve been told it’s quite similar to The Meadows with the way the camber is, and if it is like that he’ll enjoy it because he does his best racing at The Meadows. I expect him to fire.”

Orson Allen has had 14 starts at The Meadows for six wins and three minor placings including a scorching personal best time of 29.56sec. This includes running second in the Group 1 Maturity Classic and the Group 1 Temlee at the Broadmeadows circuit.

His overall record stands at 47 starts for 23 wins including group victories in the Shootout, Cranbourne Cup and Horsham Cup, while he has won $313,645 in prize money.

Other big name Victorians competing in the Perth Cup heats tonight include Australian Cup winner Dyna Patty, Hasten Slowly and Miss Splendamiro, while Tornado Tears will contest a heat of the Group 1 Galaxy (715m).

Also in this morning’s edition of Talking Greyhounds, Simone caught up with young race caller Luke Humphreys and former greyhound breeder Donna Saddler, who has been instrumental in assisting people affected by the recent Bunyip fires.

TALKING GREYHOUNDS

[youtube youtubeurl=”vxImQawA9Bo” ][/youtube] WATCH: Orson Allen’s brilliant Horsham Cup win in 26.87sec, lowering the previous record by .006.

Andrew CopleyAndrew Copley

Andrew Copley

Communications Manager at Greyhound Racing Victoria with 25 years’ experience as a reporter with National Greyhound Form newspaper and GRV. Former Watchdog form analyst. Adopter of celebrity greyhound, Fred Basset. Victorian Greyhound of the Year and Victorian greyhound racing Hall of Fame panel member.

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