Aeroplane Eric Flying Ahead Of Warragul Test

GLENN Rounds is hopeful that Aeroplane Eric can leave an injury ravaged 2020 behind him when he begins his Warragul Cup quest this Friday night.

GLENN Rounds is hopeful that Aeroplane Eric can leave an injury ravaged 2020 behind him when the son of Knocka Norris begins his Warragul Cup quest this Friday night.

The immensely talented sprinter heads into the group 2 series off a flying 25.38 victory at the Gippsland circuit last start, the sparkling time less than a length off the 25.34 recorded by group 1 winners turned stud dogs Aston Dee Bee and Hooked On Scotch.

"If there's a dog that deserves a good run at things it's Aeroplane Eric," Rounds said.

"He's broken his front right stopper bone twice which has cost him plenty of racing. He's an outstanding animal – super intelligent – I'm just hoping that he holds up but it's hard to plan too far ahead. You don't no what's around the corner."

Winner at nine of his 17 career starts, Aeroplane Eric, a son of Knocka Norris and Lonesome Jett, has recorded some bone-jarring times at the provincial circuits during his injury interrupted career.

"He's limped off the track a few times now," Rounds said.

"I sent him to Perth for the Derby back in May and he finished fourth in the final behind Catch The Thief and Tommy Shelby but was on three legs the next day.

"It's been very stop start with him and I've been as cautious as possible with him to give him every chance to stand up. It's hard to think the injuries have cost him on the clock but how do you really know?"

Tab.com.au have installed Aeroplane Eric a $4.8 equal second favourite with Warrnambool Cup winner Zambora Smokey for Friday night's third Warragul Cup heat.

Firm favourite for the race is Topgun hero Shima Shine at $1.85 from box eight.

"It's a very good field but they don't hand out Country Cups so you wouldn't expect anything less," Rounds offered.

"The vacant box on his outside is a help and his effort to win in that time last start was very encouraging. It was blowing a gale in the home straight so to run 25.38 in those conditions was a surprise.

"It's been a test dealing with problem after problem knowing how good he is but you learn to cope with it when you've been training as long as I have."

While Rounds is looking forward to Aeroplane Eric strutting his stuff at Warragul on Friday night the Devon Meadows trainer is equally excited about explosive youngster Aston Rupee tackling Saturday night's GRV Vic Bred Maiden Final (450m) at Warrnambool.

The regally bred 20-month old son of Kc And All and Melbourne Cup finalist Aston Miley ran a scorching 24.95 on debut, and from box eight in Saturday night's finale, is clearly the one to beat.

"Ray Borda rang me and said he might have a special dog for me to train and I think he might be right," Rounds said.

"I could count on two hands the trials he's had before last week's win. I've had some very good dogs over the years and the real good ones give you that different feeling and he's definitely one of those.

"It's only early but a race like the Launching Pad might fit in perfectly for him. He's had a post-to-post at both city tracks and gone well.   

"Box eight looks ideal for him on Saturday night. He's giving me all the right indications he could be something pretty special."

 

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