Victorian star Canya Excite Me delivered a stunning performance at Cannington last night, claiming WA’s premier slot race – the Sandgroper – for slot holder Sportsbet.

Trained by Anthony Azzopardi, the emerging talent led from start to finish, holding off a late challenge from reigning Phoenix and Sandgroper champion Deadly Avenger.

“When she jumped, I thought, ‘you beauty’,” Azzopardi said post-race.

“I did think she was gone when Deadly Avenger got close, but she just kept finding.”

With just 17 starts to her name, including 11 wins, Canya Excite Me made her first Group 1 victory a memorable one.

At just two years of age, the Sandgroper marked her first trip outside of Victoria – making her triumph over a hand-picked field all the more impressive.

The line-up featured some of the sport’s biggest names, including Melbourne Cup winner Canya Mayhem and two-time WA Greyhound of the Year Miss Envy.

Despite the field boasting more than $4.7 million in combined prize money, Canya Excite Me had contributed just $34,000 prior to the race – underlining the scale of her upset.

The daughter of WA legend, Tommy Shelby, stopped the clock in a slick 29.19 seconds over the 520 metres.

“I couldn’t fault her preparation – she’s had a terrific prep and everything went to plan,” Azzopardi said.

“A lot of people questioned the 390-metre trial in the lead-up, but that’s how I train my dogs – and the result speaks for itself.”

That 390-metre hit-out saw her go close to the track record, further highlighting her raw ability.

“This was a big effort and shows just how much talent she has.”

Fellow Victorian Deadly Avenger finished second, while WA star Miss Envy rounded out the placings.