Lakeview Cruiser is back on the winners list for the first time since February with a strong come from behind win at Sandown Park yesterday.
He began fairly then showed good field sense to avoid congestion which allowed him to showcase his strength in the later part of the race. Harley Whelan, brother of trainer Luke, was delighted with the win.
“I’m glad he got room to do his thing. After the Australian Cup he had a sore shoulder, he’s raced semi-regularly since then but hasn’t had much luck,” said Whelan.
“He’s been trialling well for a long time but I think he’s just needed a bit of confidence.”
Cruiser’s brother Lakeview Walter steps out at The Meadows this evening, pending all goes well he’s expected to take part in next Thursday’s $10,000 to-the-winner special event at Sandown Park. The feature marks 50 days until the world’s greatest greyhound race, the TAB Melbourne Cup.
“He should be here next week. I’m not sure what we’ll do with Cruiser, he just needs to maintain this confidence – if he’s going well we’ll be aiming for the Melbourne Cup.”
City racing at Sandown Park and The Meadows is the sport’s premium product yet Whelan said it can sometimes be easiest for his pair to race on the big stage.
“We took Walter to Warragul and he found a race where he couldn’t win, then almost ran last at Sale and after that was runner-up to Aston Rupee in track record time which was five days later.”
“When they race at the country tracks they sometimes find tricky races, it’s almost better for them to come to Sandown as they love it here. It’s also the place you want them going well at.”
Later in the card first year trainer Rowan Wagenaar claimed his first city win with Rear View Mirror, a talented greyhound but most importantly an integral family member.
Earlier on up-and-coming star Wow She’s Fast made it two wins from two starts. Her time wasn’t as impressive as her debut on Sunday however conditions were less than ideal as the day saw constant rain fall.
Click here for yesterday’s results
