Turbine Takes Out Bendigo Vic Breeders
The Bendigo Greyhound Racing Club hosted their Victorian Breeders Stakes final for maiden greyhounds last Friday, with victory going to the locally trained Turbine.
An imposing son of Dyna Lachlan out of the lightly raced bitch Queen Of Bling, Turbine was the most expensive lot sold at the recent Bendigo Ready to Race Sale held in November 2013, being purchased for $28,000.
Turbine created a lot of interest at the R2R Sale, having run some quick times during the qualifying heats, and he is now beginning to vindicate the faith shown by his new owners, already recouping $10,000 in just his seven official career race starts.
Having been runner up in both his heat and semi-final, Turbine was at luxury odds for the Victorian Breeders Stakes Final, and his many supporters would have enjoyed the TAB price of around $15 for the decider. Beginning much cleaner than he has in his prior six race track appearances, Turbine, relishing his wide draw, quickly raced up to join the early leader Eternal Magic, and forged to the front at the first turn. It was at this point when the runners behind Turbine tightened and the resultant scrimmage giving him an unassailable lead.
Turbine increased his margin in the run to the line, greeting the judge 7 ¾ lengths clear of Mumma Hook for Rob Neocleous, while third money went to Banged Up Bill for Wayne Vassallo, in a quick 23.98 seconds for the 425 metre journey.
On a sad note, Rob Neocleous's other competitor, race favourite Rose Lilly fell and unfortunately suffered a broken leg and was subsequently euthanized.
Turbine has a strong pedigree on his Dam side, being a son of Queen Of Bling, who is a sister to former track record holder at Sandown over the 595 metres and Sir John Dillon trophy winner Bling It On. Queen Of Bling is also a half sister to recent Warragul Cup Winner Walk Hard (x Bit Chilli).
Queen Of Bling only raced twice and did not register a win in those two starts, but she looks like having an influence as a brood bitch if her first progeny are anything to go by. Turbine is from her first litter; she has since whelped pups to Stagger and is currently in pup to Knocker Norris.
The Torr family have been stalwarts in the Greyhound industry for many years, and despite having breaks from the sport at stages, Jenny and David have always kept a strong interest in the code. Many greyhound followers would remember the Torr's competing at the old Eaglehawk track in the 1960s and 70s where they enjoyed a great run of success, quite often training multiple winners.
The Ready to Race Auction series has proven a hit for Greyhound Racing Victoria in the two series held so far, with the inaugural winner Kiss Me Ketut, lining up in the Australian Cup this Saturday night.
I am not sure if Turbine will reach those dizzy heights; however, he certainly is a young dog to keep an eye on as the current R2R Series progresses.