Yindi Girl Turbo has secured trainer Matt Lanigan and owner Michael Cullen their first ever TAB Melbourne Cup heat runner after she won the series’ opening Prelude last night at Sandown Park.
As race favourite Music Event faltered at the start Yindi Girl Turbo took advantage and led. She had a brief bumping duel with Max Dynamo before gaining a break.
She held off the challengers late to win and cement a spot in the heats of the world’s greatest greyhound race on November 20.
“I had a reserve in a Cup heat (Zipping Inglis in 2017) but didn’t gain a start, so to now have one guaranteed a run is amazing,” said Lanigan.
“I had to decide whether to go to the Geelong Cup heats or here. I thought with some of the stars in Sydney and others at Geelong, it was a good opportunity to try and win a Prelude.”
Lanigan said it’s a big advantage to have qualified for heats this early.
“It certainly helps, makes plans flexible going forward but the destination doesn’t change.”
Yindi’s owner Michael Cullen is also set for his first Cup heat runner. He’s extremely passionate about his greyhounds and as expected thrilled with last night’s result.
“I’m over the moon. Just to have her a part of it is great,” said Cullen.
Yindi Girl Turbo is rated a $71 chance to win the world’s greatest greyhound race in TAB’s pre-nomination market.
TAB Melbourne Cup Prelude Series 2 will be held on Thursday October 29.
Click here for last night’s results
Click here for all Cup info
