Last night Bruce Tycoon celebrated his 50th start at Sandown Park with a Victorian National Sprint heat win.
Trainer Rob Britton wasn’t surprised by the win but stunned by the $27 starting price.
“He’s a marvel. I still can’t work out how he went around at those ridiculous odds last night. I actually think with a clear run he’s probably as good as at least four or five of the dogs he was up against,” said Britton.
There wouldn’t be many greyhounds in Australia as consistent as Bruce Tycoon, he’s one of the most underrated stars in greyhound racing. He’s won 32 of his 108 career starts and placed in a further 34. He’s won 17 times at Sandown Park alone, not far adrift of the record at 23 jointly held by African Zulu and his son Kareem. Amazingly with only one feature win under his belt (2016 McKenna Memorial) he’s amassed $246,540 in prizemoney.
“He hasn’t lost any ability, he’s magnificent and the type of dog you want in your kennel. Ones that can run at the highest level for a long time don’t come around often.”
Britton regards Bruce Tycoon as one of the most reliable greyhounds he has ever trained.
“He’s certainly right up there. He’s the type of dog that’s very underrated because he races against good dogs every week. We saw what he did last night, he puts on pressure, a lot of dogs wilt when in that situation but he just keeps going – that’s why he’s so good.”
Although eligible for veteran races Bruce is still mixing it and beating some the hottest sprinters Victoria has to offer. He hasn’t competed in a grade 5 event since March 2016, that fact highlights his incredible consistency over a long period of time.
“I think not travelling often is a secret to his longevity. He’s done most of his racing at Sandown and The Meadows, I think he knows those tracks so well that he knows where to go to avoid trouble. He doesn’t go to new tracks and have to learn how to handle them.”
“He enjoys competitive racing, that’s another reason why he’s raced so well for so long. He doesn’t trial as well as he races. He loves competitive racing.”
Bruce is a larger than life figure at the Rob Britton kennel. Rob describing him as a real character in a recent Q&A.
“He’s a lovely dog. As good as he is on the race track I think he’ll make an even better pet.”
Bruce Tycoon’s next assignment is Thursday’s National Sprint final where he’s drawn awkwardly in box 7.
“Next week’s going to be tough for him, he needs the inside and box 7 won’t help him. That’s something I can’t control,” laughed Britton.
Britton also has interest in the Victorian National Distance final this Saturday night at The Meadows with megastar Fanta Bale. Given her status as the highest ranked stayer in the country, she only needs to compete in the race to advance to the National final at Albion Park.
“As long as she pulls up well after the race she’ll be going to Brisbane. We’ll probably have to trial her twice before heading up. I just want to get tomorrow night over and done with and make sure she pulls well then we’ll work it out. I won’t be going to Brisbane to trial, she’s already been there so we’ll probably head to Sandown.”
Click here for Victorian National Sprint heats wrap
Bruce Tycoon takes Vic National Sprint heat 1
