Fernando Bale has pushed his prizemoney past $790,000, taking out his fifth Group 1 of the year after a devastating 29.50 gallop to claim this year’s Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic at The Meadows.
The white and brindle star flew out of the boxes, showing his customary early dash to set a new first split record of 4.89, with his dominance in full display. The champ extended his lead down the back, stopping the clock at a dazzling 17.37 – one length quicker than his former second split record.
Turning for home, Fernando Bale had his seventh Group win of 2015 sewn up, finishing five and a quarter lengths clear of kennelmate Dyna Double One, while Margins ran home strongly for third.
“I don’t like saying it but he is the greatest we’ve had,” said George Dailly, brother-in-law of trainer Andrea Dailly, after Fernando Bale’s 25th win from just 31 starts.
The son of American sire Kelsos Fusileer and Chloe Allen is now the second highest prizemoney earner in Australia – an incredible feat considering the greyhound is still just 28 months of age.
Comparisons with the greats of our sport – including Zoom Top and Brett Lee – look to be justified. In a sign of his amazing high-end speed, Fernando Bale now holds first and second sectional records at The Meadows, Sandown Park and second and third split records at Wentworth Park.
In the other feature of the night, Zipping Maggie ($11.70) upstaged her more fancied rivals to win the Destini Fireball Stayers Feature in 43.02 over favourite Lady Toy and Shall She Rock.
Fernando Bale runs them ragged to win the 2015 Group 1 Maturity Classic
