Racing: Intriguing field for Waterloo

File photo / 123RF

The Waterloo Cup is immersed with history and intrigue. History as it was first contested for as a coursing event in 1878. Intrigue because of a number of fascinating stories surrounding it that have emerged over the years.

Intrigue is the best way of describing tomorrow's $32,785 Waterloo Cup field. The race favourite Cristiane Cyborg couldn't have drawn a worse trap for her racing style.

She is a renowned slow starter, plus she's seen racing at her best wider on the track. Can the Hayley Mullane trained greyhound win this group one event? Short answer is yes, because she is a freakish greyhound.

"I don't know how she'll go from there. She really tries hard and she'll give it everything. I cannot fault her condition," advised Mullane.

There is a real glaring omission to the super 101 group race winning training record the potent conditioners Dave and Jean Fahey has produced.

The Waterloo Cup is the only group one race in the country they haven't mentored the winner of. They have provided the Waterloo Cup runner up on six occasions.

The Canterbury couple has qualified three classy greyhounds in an attempt to rectify that omission.

How's this for firepower? The current Auckland Cup title holder He's All Power powered home to claim his 527m heat second last Sunday.

Opawa Brad won a 527m group two event at this venue in June. Fair Pippa is an exciting up and coming chaser.

Dave Fahey explains how they can win the race. "He's All Power is back in his best form. Opawa Brad has drawn perfectly and his confidence is back. Fair Pippa can jump quickly. I'm real happy with all three of them." Dual code participant Peter Ferguson is lining up his charge Soaring Hawke for her second group one final after she led throughout to win her 527m heat in 30.57s last Sunday.

"She will need a bit of luck. If she jumps into the early lead, then yes she can feature," advised Ferguson.

Bigtime Paddy is a seriously quick Lisa Cole prepared greyhound. His early pace can see him negating his poor trap five draw.

"Yes he can win it if he leads them out. He has early pace and he's a strong dog," confirmed the trainer's husband Brendon Cole.