Camulos caused a major upset to win TAB Melbourne Cup Prelude 5 at Sandown Park last night.
He jumped at massive odds of $71 and accelerated to lead early. He hung on to win not only to the surprise of racecaller Dan Hibberd but also his trainer Gerry Orr.
“When he found the front I thought he had half a chance of running a place as there were a lot of good trainers with good dogs in the race,” said Orr.
“When he turned for home one of the stewards asked me if he was going to hang on, I said ‘I don’t think so’ – it was a nice surprise.”
Camulos gained a start after the significant scratching of gun sprinter Aston Fastnet. Camulos was withdrawn from an event later in the night as he was a reserve for the Preludes.
“I was a little bit depressed. He was drawn in Race 10 where I thought he had a good chance. He’s into Cup heats now and as I keep saying you can’t win it from home sitting on the couch.”
After conversations with mates the morning of the race Orr wasn’t filled with confidence however he had the last laugh.
“They said it’s going to be a long drive to Sandown to come last.”
Camulos was initially given away free of charge early in his career but once he began racing Orr identified talent and went pursuing.
“After watching his races I thought he’s got a bit of potential. So I rang up and made an offer, it was taken and then he won his first three races for me at Warragul.”
Later in the night Aston Rupee became the first greyhound ever to break 29 seconds twice at Sandown Park. He is the favourite for the world’s greatest greyhound race – click here to hear from his trainer Glenn Rounds.
Click here for last night’s results
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