Rapidfire Racing returns to Sandown this weekend with Speed Star; head-to-head racing over all three distances for a prize purse of $190,000. 40 dogs have qualified, based on their recent times at Sandown, for 20 match races starting at 5.08pm.
Later in the evening, the 715m Speed Star Stayers features a dog new to the concept, but something of an old hand at Sandown, Angry Trip. He’s coming in from Moe, courtesy of owner/trainer Rebecca Romyn; a fan of the match race concept.
“There’s just less interference in Speed Star, so the best dog has the best chance of winning.”
The dog is becoming something of a long-distance specialist. “At the start he could win a tier three at Warragul, but we’ve just persisted – taking the distance out gradually – and he’s found his feet in the long runs.”
Training is just a hobby for Rebecca, and her daughter who assists. She has five dogs at the moment but is still working full time.
She recounts “I started off just helping around as an extra hand at trials. Turns out my grandparents used to train, which I didn’t even know when I started. Must be in the genes.”
Entry to Sandown is free, and patrons will have the chance to win $500 in the ‘last man standing’ tipping competition and $10,000 for anyone who can tip the card.
The Speed Star evening will be broadcast live on Sky Racing 2 (unlocked and free) from 5pm on Sunday 15 September.
Angry Trip is drawn to race Brendan Pursell’s She Will Bloom in the 8.05pm match. “Last time these two met Bloom led well, but confidence is up, and I reckon she’ll do a bit better this time.”
Hopefully getting back to Moe will be a happy trip…
