Pantera Nera takes out 2016 Group 2 Traralgon Cup
PANTERA Nera has put in a tenacious performance to take out the Group 2 Traralgon Cup (525m) on Saturday night.
Stepping brilliantly from box six, the son of Milldean Panther and Go Jessie's Girl went straight to the early lead and was able to put a gap on his opponents in the run around the first turn.
Striding into the back straight and the black dog was four lengths in front of Demon Bale (box four), which got a beautiful run through along the fence in the early stages, with the blue rugged runner starting to wind up.
Swinging for home and Demon Bale was closing quickly, but Pantera Nera wasn't going down without a fight, kicking on strongly in the home straight to score by just under half a length over Demon Bale in 30.19.
Demon Bale's litter brother, Eren Bale (box two), ran on to clinch third, with race favourite Jesaulenko (box seven) finding trouble throughout the run, crossing the line back in sixth spot.
The win took the Gavin Burke trained sprinter's career record to 13 wins and 10 minor placings from 28 starts, with the 31.6 kilogram sprinter also boasting over $76,000 in career earnings.