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  • Tuesday, 19 Oct, 2021,
  • by Gerard Guthrie

Who’s who in the TAB Great Chase Grand Final

The TAB Great Chase is GRV’s number one community event, and also a wonderful stepping stone for future stars of the track.

A series for greyhounds with between 1-5 wins, the past Great Chase two winners have been Dr. Tucker and Simon Told Helen, both of which have gone on to carve out sensational careers.

While COVID-19 will again prevent crowds attending the Grand Final at The Meadows, around 30 community groups from Victoria’s disability sector will participate in a Great Chase zoom call tomorrow afternoon, with eight of the organisations to be randomly drawn a greyhound in the big race.

The eight groups drawn will share in $24,000 – seven of which will collect $2,000, while the organisation matched to the winning dog will receive $10,000.

That’s sure to inspire plenty of cheer for the Group 3 feature, which will run at 2.42pm.

The TAB Great Chase has seen around $700,000 donated to Victoria’s disability sector since it was first run in 2003.

Here’s a snapshot of the 2021 TAB Great Chase Grand Finalists.

GROUP 3 TAB GREAT CHASE (525m)
Wednesday, 2.42pm

  1. INDY FIDO (Andrea Dailly, Anakie)
    Comment: Won 3 from 13. Led all-the-way from Box 4 in 30.02 sec semi-final victory. Plenty of experience around The Meadows and drawn to be in the firing line throughout. Major player.
  2. HAMILLSON (Richard Hill, Frankston)
    Comment: Won 6 from 11. Been firing on all cylinders since returning from a break and looked good running down Revolution in 30.13sec semi, his third straight win.
  3. HUSHING DUSK (Ian Garland, Longlea)
    Comment: Won 6 from 20. Finished best in 30.46sec semi-final win. Needs to improve significantly on the clock but had consistent middle distance form prior to this series and will keep coming.
  4. RELOADED (Glenn Rounds, Devon Meadows)
    Comment: Won 3 from 13. Finished second in two starts since a break. Didn’t jump well in semi but drove to the front and was only gunned down late by quickest qualifier Ridge, running 30.07sec in defeat.
  5. TRUE COLLINDA (Jason Thompson, Pearcedale)
    Comment: Won 6 from 13. Talented type that chased home high-flying Idolize when semi runner-up. Could need some luck from the awkward alley but if she gets it she’s a player.
  6. IDOLIZE (Peter Presutto, Devon Meadows)
    Comment: Won 5 from 7. Exciting youngster with tremendous early speed. Ran a flying 4.97sec first split when leading throughout in 30.08sec semi win. Will take no end of catching if able to cross inside brigade.
  7. RIDGE (William McMahon, Darriman)
    Comment: Won 6 from 26. Ultra-consistent chaser that produced fastest semi performance with a strong-finishing 29.99sec effort from this draw, his third win from past four. Trainer won this race last year with star speedster Dr. Tucker.
  8. WEBLEC RANGER (Angela Langton, Anakie)
    Comment: Won 5 from 13. Continued impressive Meadows form with 30.33sec semi win. Won 3 from 5 this circuit.

Reserves:

  1. REVOLUTION (Harry Manolitsis, Lysterfield South)
    Comment: Won 6 from 8. Huge talent and likely to start favourite if a runner.
  2. SUBSTANTIAL (Anthony Azzopardi, Rowsley)
    Comment: Won 5 from 16. Also endowed with great ability and a live chance if he secures a late call-up.

Recent TAB Great Chase winners

  • 2020 Dr. Tucker (Bill McMahon, Darriman)
  • 2019 Simon Told Helen (David Burnett, Little River)
  • 2018 Go Commando (Jason Sharp, Lara)
  • 2017 Despacito (Seona Thompson, Pearcedale)
  • 2016 Promises Kept (Joe Borg, Maryborough)
  • 2015 Unlawful Entry (Kelly Bravo, Lovely Banks)
  • 2014 All Strung Out (Glenn Rounds, Pearcedale)
  • 2013 Living Proof (Glenn Rounds, Pearcedale)
  • 2012 Boris Fields (Jason Thompson, Pearcedale)
  • 2011 Fully Advanced (Ron McCullagh, Lara)
  • 2010 Up And Away (Graeme Bate, Lara)
Gerard GuthrieGerard Guthrie

Gerard Guthrie

One of Australia’s leading greyhound racing journalists since 2000 with the Greyhound Recorder and now with Greyhound Racing Victoria. Part-owner 2013 Group 1 Paws Of Thunder winner Sheikha. (The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of GRV)

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