Barefoot Zulu stole the show in the second round of Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Preludes at Sandown Park last night.
He set an incredible time of 28.939 – the 13th fastest ever run at the track, jointly held with former track record holder Hooked On Scotch and Lakeview Emily.
It was the fourth fastest this year behind Flying Zulu (28.838), Canya Tornado (28.906) and Explicit (28.933).
“He’s just a freakish dog,” said a relieved David Geall immediately after the run.
It’s all but certain Barefoot Zulu will start in the four-dog Shootout on Friday November 14, if Geall decides to go that way.
Zelda Covilha was runner-up to Barefoot Zulu and was enormous in defeat.
The second Prelude of the night went to David Burnett’s promising sprinter Keep Rolling, who led all of the way and didn’t give race favourite Mepunga Reward a chance.
We then saw Traumatise bounce back to his best form with a grinding win over Ross The Boss who was also very impressive.
In the final Prelude the ever consistent Paw Oswald was faultless and won comfortably.
Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Prelude winners guarantee themselves a spot in Cup heats on Saturday November 22 – the second leg of Dream Chasers.
The next and final round of Preludes is on Friday November 14, which compliments the four-dog Shootout.
