Halse Aims High With Vanderworp
10 July, 2018
Greyhound
Perth trainer Chris Halse believes Vanderworp can measure up to Australian best greyhounds after his spectacular victory in the Group 2 Bendigo Cup Final (425m) on Friday night.
Capping a courageous return to racing after serious injury, Vanderworp underlined his sprinting prowess with a devastating all the way victory in the $47,000 feature.
Halse says he is now preparing Vanderworp for an assault on major races in the next six months.
“He has amazing speed and early pace,” Halse told Tabradio.
“Those tracks in Melbourne are more leader’s tracks than Cannington.
“He will stay there and have a trial around Sandown because he hasn’t been there.
“Just in case he does qualify for the nationals or hopefully we head back for the Melbourne Cup.
“You have to give him a look at the tracks so you are not caught behind later in the year.”
A son of Kelsos Fusileer and High Recall, Vanderworp has fought back strongly after a stopper bone injury threatened to derail his career.
Sidelined for six months he missed key races including the Group 1 Maturity Classic in Victoria and Group 3 SA Derby in South Australia.
Improving his record to 15 wins from 27 starts, Vanderworp is raced by a big group of former high school students from Wesley College.
Three of the part owners travelled east to witness Vanderworp’s career-best win, including Peter Cameron.
“I just love this dog and racing him with a bunch of school mates makes it all the more special,” Cameron said.
“Because of his times and record at the distance we were hopeful of him running a great race going in.
“Logistics made it hard for all of us to be there, but we are all very happy with the win.”
Vanderworp continues a remarkable run for Cameron as an owner.
He’s also had recent success with Cropduster in the Group 2 WA Oaks and Mandjoogoordap in the Group 3 Young Stars.
Julio Santarelli