Hecton Bale To Display Strength In Perth Cup
19 April, 2018
Greyhound
Co-trainer Tom Dailly believes Hecton Bale’s strength will be his biggest asset when he tackles the $150,000 Group 1 Sky Racing Perth Cup (520m) at Cannington on Saturday.
Dailly says luck will play a significant factor in the hot Perth Cup field, but he believes Hecton Bale has the capacity to overcome a lack of early pace.
Dailly is hoping Hecton Bale can exercise the same good fortune that saw him overcome an awkward draw in last month’s Group 1 Australian Cup (525m) victory.
Hecton Bale commenced fairly from box eight, but blitzed home in 29.53sec. after he got the space required when box seven runner Hasten Slowly cut down to the fence.
Dailly is banking on Up Hill Jill (4) and Striker Light (2) to step away explosively in the Perth Cup.
He says if Hecton Bale, drawn in box three, is within striking distant at the turn, he will be finishing powerfully.
“He has got Uphill Jill on his outside and she gets out like a rocket,” Dailly told Tabradio.
“It’s probably advantageous they (Striker Light) will be out of his way, rather than have dogs around that crowd him.
“It might give him a little bit of room to manoeuvre before the first turn and get a position without being belted by other dogs.
“If he can get to the first turn and within close proximity of Uphill Jill, Striker Light or West On Augie, he is very strong.
“He has got the ability to win the race, but it will largely depend on what type of luck he is going to get early.
“He has a lack of early pace, but he has done it before and let’s hope that he can be doing it all again.”
Owned and bred by Paul Wheeler, Hecton Bale, a son of Fernando Bale, has won 14 races from 30 starts with prize money approaching $350,000.
He is $4.80 with Tabtouch.
Up Hill Jill heads the market at $3.40.
Dailly is chasing his second Perth Cup after Sun Hero won in 2005.
Julio Santarelli