Boom youngster Sulzanti announced himself as a serious contender for upcoming feature races with a win in TAB Melbourne Cup Prelude 9 last night.
Sulzanti began well from box one as short priced favorite Smart Missile was slow to begin. Sulzanti set an electric 18.61 to the second split before he powered away to victory in a low flying time of 29.09 – just two lengths off Bekim Bale’s track record of 28.98.
Co-trainer Jamie Ennis was full of praise for Sulzanti.
“Heading into last night I wasn’t expecting him to beat Smart Missile but I knew he (Sulzanti) would put in a good performance,” said Ennis.
Moments after Sulzanti’s win, the Ennis team nominated him for the $50,000 winner-take-all Shootout – joining Brad Hill Billy as hopefuls for the four-dog spectacular.
“After seeing what he did last night and knowing what times he can run in a trial, I think he can compete with dogs like Smart Missile – the Shootout would definitely suit him and we’re happy to roll the dice and take them on that’s for sure.”
Only two greyhounds have ever broken the 29 second barrier, and Ennis is open to the possibility of Sulzanti joining them.
“To break 29 seconds everything has to go right – in my opinion the track was a little off last night, I think it proves the dog is capable of running a bit quicker in warmer conditions.”
The Shootout field will be announced on Tuesday’s edition of The Catching Pen, to be aired 6:30PM eastern on Sky Racing 2 with the box draw to be held Thursday night at Sandown Park.
Click here for details on the Shootout
Click here for all of last night’s results
