Nangar Rust confirmed himself as one of Australia’s fastest greyhounds when setting the track alight in an exhibition trial tonight at Sandown Park.
He set a flying 29.03 (5.19, 18.66) and backed up his unofficial trial on Sunday of 28.95 – one of the fastest times ever seen at the track.
“He didn’t travel that well so I was worried how he’d go, but I’m really thrilled with that,” said trainer Mick Hardman.
“He was up and down a bit in the car while we were in the traffic. He didn’t handle it perfectly but it’s exactly the reason I wanted to trial tonight, to give him the experience of not only traveling but going through the race day procedure down here.
“Again he’s shown his strength so I’m excited for the chance to step him up in distance going forward.”
Following Nangar Rust was boom Western Australia sprinter Sir Monty having his first look at Sandown Park.
A beautifully bred son of Fernando Bale and dual group 1 winner Star Recall, Sir Monty arrived from trainer Chris Halse’s Nambeelup kennel on Wednesday afternoon having won 4 of his 5 career starts including a brilliant 10 length romp at Cannington last Saturday night.
Jumping from box 1, Sir Monty railed strongly to stop the clock in 29.55
“That’s really good,” said handler Jeff Britton.
“He lost a little bit of weight on the trip, but he handled the track well. That first split is what I like – 5.09 – and he’s pretty young (turns 2 in May) and can only improve.”
