Exciting youngster Aussie Secret makes his Sandown Park debut in a provincial grade 5 this afternoon, but his trainer Jason Thompson has a much bigger prize in his sights.
Thompson, a three-time TAB Melbourne Cup winner, said that Aussie Secret was the type of greyhound that he believed could shape up against the best in the land.
“He is not going to be running blistering times right now, but I think he’s a dog that can hopefully run 29.20s at Sandown and get to the back section in 18.50-18.60, which I think is essential to be competitive in a Melbourne Cup,” Thompson told RSN Central when asked for a greyhound to watch towards the world’s greatest greyhound race on Friday 27 November.
“For a dog racing for the first time at Sandown on Sunday, to in six or seven week’s time to line up in a Melbourne Cup has got to keep improving. But he’s the sort of dog that is a very good beginner, has a very good second section, and although he hasn’t raced at Sandown, I think he’ll take to Sandown better than any track he’s been at.”
Aussie Secret – Bobby as he’s known at his home at Awesome Lodge – has made an explosive start to his career. The 24 month old son of emerging stud prospect Bernado has already won 10 of his 14 starts and placed in three others. Despite Aussie Secret’s inexperience, Thompson has had success with similar greyhounds in recent Cups.
In 2019 a 23 month old Hooked On Scotch ran third in the final at career start number 16, while in 2018 a 20 month old Black Opium ran second at career start 8.
“They’re the sort of dogs I like to put in the Melbourne Cup. It’s a bit of an unknown what they’re going to do, but you know they have the ability.
“Dogs like those, they can certainly make it and they quite often thrive on that sort of preparation. It’s a good race for young up and comers.”
Aussie Secret will jump from box 6 in race 8 at 4.22pm this afternoon.
Aussie Secret is currently a $31 chance in the TAB Melbourne Cup pre-nominations market.
