For weeks James Van de Maat has been singing the praises of Intrepidus, who’s a key part of Sportsbet Melbourne Cup heat 3 on Saturday.
A greyhound who’s won seven of his 15 starts and delivered them mostly with brutal acceleration. He was runner-up in the Warragul St. Leger run down by Delicate and not long after won the Geelong Derby.
In that Geelong Derby win he set the 3rd best first split of the year – behind Tarawi Therese (6.35), Natalie Bale (6.37) and equal with Paw Yanelle (6.38).
And the equal 4th best second split (11.04), Tarawi Therese has the fastest (11.01).
He returned to Sandown Park last Friday for the first time in a while. While the run was average on face value, there is reason to be very optimistic.
He was poor to begin, which isn’t like him. 2.21 to the 20m mark, slower than the meeting average of 2.17.
He ripped through the 20-50m section in 1.75, 2nd best of the card.
Then his 50-100m section was elite, 2.57 which was the fastest of the night.
After that he tapered out which is understandable for an ‘on pace’ greyhound who didn’t lead. Sure he’s going to be vulnerable late, but he could light up his Cup heat.
“I love the story of Rob Pallotta (trainer of Intrepidus). He works a full time job as well as doing the dogs, it’s a moment for him to soak in and have a crack at a race like this,” said James Van de Maat on the Green Light On Podcast.
He meets stars in Deadly Avenger, Vincent Bale and Cranbourne Cup/Shootout winner Colac Kid. It won’t be easy, but he could be showing them the way down the back.
Intrepidus has been supported with Sportsbet.
Head to our Race Data page for performance insights at Sandown Park and The Meadows
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