John Westerlo has warned punters not to overlook fastest qualifier Ultimate Bling ahead of Saturday night’s Group 2 Backman’s Greyhound Supplies Cranbourne Cup Final (520m).
The astute Westerlo and wife Carol pulled off a training masterclass last weekend when they produced Ultimate Bling off middle distance form and a short let-up to set the pace in the Cup heats, clocking a fast 29.97s.
While it was the only sub-30 second qualifying performance, Ultimate Bling, the winner of 12 from 34, finds himself on the fifth line of TAB betting at $6.50 from box three.
“Nobody is giving him a chance,” said Westerlo.
“His run was brilliant last week. He went in fresh, jumped in front and ran time. He went super.
“He’s proven he can gallop. He’s a good chasing dog and they’re always a chance.”
WATCH: Ultimate Bling win his Cranbourne Cup heat in BON time from box four.
Rails runner Often Imitated, a 30.16s heat winner, trained locally by Kel and Jackie Greenough is the $2.30 favourite, while even first reserve Flynn is shorter than Ultimate Bling at $4.50.
“The red (Often Imitated) is drawn to win the race; of course it is,” said Westerlo.
“But if I get a clear run early and I’m giving the red a couple of lengths up the back I think I can knuckle down and beat it. That’s only my opinion.
“But I’ve got to get there.
“It would be a lovely race to win but luck always plays a part, especially when you’re racing for $50,000.
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