No Easy Task For Perth Cup Champ
27 April, 2018
Greyhound
Perth Cup winner Trouper Monelli will be out to make it three wins in a row, when he lines up in the Try The Chef’s Special (520m) at Cannington tomorrow night.
Trouper Monelli was a surprise winner of the $225,000 Perth Cup last Saturday night, but trainer David Hobby has conceded his task on Saturday night would be every bit as difficult as last weekend.
The son of Fernando Bale fought off strong challenges from east coast chasers Up Hill Jill, Striker Light and Hecton Bale last weekend, and ensured another Cup win for local chasers.
Hobby said tomorrow night’s field rivalled the Perth Cup field in ability, and indicated Trouper Monelli would have to be at his best from box two.
“There’s two or three dogs in there that are capable of winning Group 1 races,” he said.
“You have a Perth Cup winner in the red, another one in box two and the second quickest dog in box three.
“Sometimes the only difference between a Free-For-All and a Group 1 is the stakemoney.”
Hobby also said the best chasers in WA would measure up in any Group 1 races throughout Australia.
As far as an east coast campaign for Trouper Monelli goes, Hobby said he was undecided.
“You’re always looking at the east coast and seeing what is on the radar,” he said.
“The problem with travelling him, it’s not like living on the east coast where you only have to travel an hour and you’re on track.
“You have to go over there and stay over there for two or three weeks.”
Hobby also has Benny Monelli engaged in the 520m event, following his win in the second of the Perth Cup Consolation races last week.
The leading trainer said the chaser would make his presence felt early if he showed his characteristic speed from the boxes.
“Benny is a quicker dog,” he said.
“Of the litter, he’s the fastest 500m dog.
“He won in the fastest time last week.
“He plays up a lot in the boxes though.”
The star-studded Free-For-All event jumps at 8.20pm at Cannington tomorrow night.
Tim Walker