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LAUNCH CODE with handler Matthew Pollard and owner Luigi Pisano after winning the 2023 Maturity Classic at The Meadows 📷 Clint Anderson

  • Saturday, 22 Jul, 2023,
  • by Andrew Copley

Greyhound Code’s newest superstar

Excitement machine Launch Code nailed his first ever appearance in a group race final when rocketing to victory in the Group 1 Maturity Classic (525m) at The Meadows on Saturday night.

The Brooke Ennis-trained son of Fernando Bale and Extreme Summer made it five wins from his past six starts, and nine from 22 overall, when spearing straight to the early lead from box six and leading all the way.

He held off Make No Promise and Tinker Norm in a blistering 29.766sec, much to the delight of handler Matt Pollard.

“The last three or four days have been extremely exciting.. (I’ve been) nervous.. sleepless nights. It’s a big responsibility handling a dog in such a big race,” Pollard said.

WATCH: Launch Code (6) got off to a perfect start before holding his rivals at bay in the Group 1 Maturity Classic Final in a slick 29.766sec.

Earlier in the night, Alfie Moon landed his second group race in the space of six starts when taking out the Group 3 Fireball (730m).

Trained by Jess Hopkins, Alfie Moon found the lead late to score in eye-catching fashion over Jarick Bale and Sunnyside Zeus.

“He’s not the fastest dog in my kennel, his brother is (faster) but he can’t win a race, so it shows he (Alfie Moon) has got enormous heart,” Hopkins quipped post-race.

Alfie Moon won the Group 3 Lizrene Classic in May.

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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