Blue Sky Riot (pictured 
) will be chasing her owners’ first win at group level in this Thursday night’s female greyhound only Laurels final.
Blue Sky Riot was an impressive all-the-way winner in her heat, she then ran 3rd in her semi-final yesterday, narrowly qualifying for the $71,250 final.
“I was real happy with her run as box 1 doesn’t really suit her that much. She likes to get off the track then come down on them, she seems to begin better from wider draws. I was just hoping she’d qualify for the final and she did all that she had to do,” said trainer Anthony Azzopardi.
Blue Sky Riot is owned in New South Wales by Sandra Camden-Bermingham and Colin Bermingham. Their connection with Azzopardi started when racing Blue Sky Riot’s mother, Ready To Riot, who raced throughout 2013/14.
“The first greyhound I trained for them was Ready To Riot, she was really good for us. She came from a very good blood line so it was a no brainer to breed with her.”
Azzopardi says the owners are ecstatic and can’t wait for Thursday’s final where they’ll be chasing their first ever win at group level.
“He won’t mind if she runs last, he’s that type of bloke. He feels so privileged to be in a big race final. I think people like them deserve to win one. They were pretty unlucky with their first litter, but this could be their chance.
“They’re the best people to train for and great friends of ours. I hope we can get over the line for them.”
The Laurels is highly regarded by all breeders, owners and trainers. Azzopardi says success in the Laurels series shines bright upon a breeding career.
“Now that we live here (Victoria, formerly in New South Wales) it’s definitely one we’d love to win. It’s a very good race and highly regarded on a career come breeding time. Even making the final, it’s a great statement.”
With just seven starts under her belt Blue Sky Riot has drawn box 6 in Thursday’s final. Although a box typically dreaded, Azzopardi says the draw will suit.
“I think she’s perfectly boxed. I like her drawn in the middle of the track, she seems to begin a lot better from out there.”
Blue Sky Riot is the lesser known of three greyhounds that will accompany Azzopardi to the track this Thursday. She joins group 1 winners Crash Bandicoot and Ando’s Mac who are engaged in races 5 and 8 respectively.
The $72,500 group 2 Laurels final is race 6 on the card and is projected to boast a $50,000 TAB First 4 pool.
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