Bernardo enhanced his reputations as one of the state’s most exciting racing prospects with the most impressive victory of his young career at Sandown Park tonight.
Lining up for his fifth start in 21 days, the promising speedster showed no signs of fatigue to lead from box rise, clocking a slick 5.00 first split and going on to win in 29.40, his fifth straight win and fourth consecutive victory at Sandown Park. He ran two lengths faster than he had run previously, an effort that was all the more notable given the track works during the week led to slower times than normal. As a comparison, Speed Star winner Bewlidering ran 29.34 later in the night less than a fortnight after scorching around the circuit in 29.03.
“I’m more than happy with him so far,” said his delighted trainer Will McMahon.
Bernardo drew unfavourably in his first two career starts and was a reserve for the VicBred maiden final at The Meadows on 1 September. A scratching saw him gain a start from box two and the favourable draw changed his fortunes, winning the final in the best time of the night. He hasn’t been beaten since and ominously, McMahon believes there’s more to come.
“He’s a lot better than that, he’s gone better than that at home,” he said.
“Ever since we broke him in he’s been a very special dog. His first two start he drew bad boxes and just got beat. He just needed to get a decent box and get out in front, then he won that race as a reserve and has just gone from there.”
“He’s still just learning and he’s getting better which is good. He’s a real race dog, that’s what he is, just a real race dog.”
Bernardo doesn’t turn two until November and has already recorded five wins from his seven starts and over $27,000 in prize money. McMahon has already set his sights on his next feature event.
“We’ll put him away now for the Great Chase. Hopefully he can go on with it.”
The TAB Great Chase series brings together Victoria’s greyhound racing community and disability sector, with the state’s 13 race clubs hosting community days between 2 August and 25 October. The community days are social outings for around 100 groups of the intellectually and physically disabled and their carers. They also have the chance to share in a pool of $50,000.
Meanwhile, more than $200,000 will be spread among greyhound racing participants from the racing component of the series. The heats begin on 6 October with the $67,000 final to be run at The Meadows on Wednesday 25 October. Click here for more information on the Great Chase.
Click here for full results from last night.
Bernardo blitzes in his fifth consecutive victory
