Got To Casino Sets Goulburn Cup Record Pace

GOT To Casino has broken the track record in a breathtaking Ladbrokes Goulburn Cup heat victory on Tuesday afternoon.

The son of Sh Avatar covered the 440 metres in a spectacular 24.29, shaving just under a length off Let It Develop's long standing 24.34 time-standard, established when winning the 2015 Goulburn Cup.

"As soon as I saw him come out with them I thought he might give the track record a bit of a nudge," said trainer Peter Dooner.

"With this dog it's more about the way he begins than the opposition he's racing. But his box manners are getting better slowly. To reach the top level they have to.”

Winner at nine of his 13 starts, Got To Casino has been the subject of some massive offers in recent months, all rejected in a heartbeat by Dooner.

“Everyone wants a good dog the easy way but they've given up now – he's not for sale,” Dooner said.

"He's got a big following this dog … I reckon half of Wagga are on his shoulders when he races. And Temora as well.

“I don't want to get too carried away but I think he's still got a few lengths improvement in him yet."

On a fantastic card of racing at Goulburn, Just a tenth of a second separated the four Goulburn Cup heat winners.

The second heat was won by Out Of Sprite for Victorian trainer Ashlee Terry in 24.39 while the third qualifier was annexed by Rapallo for Jodie Lord in 24.35.

Rapallo, a close relation to former record holder and Goulburn Cup winner Let It Develop, landed Tuesday's heat following his emphatic Young Star victory at Wentworth Park last Friday night.

The fourth and final heat went to hot prospect Ad Astra in 24.35, delivering Karina Britton two finalists following Wow's length second to Rapallo a race earlier.

And with a hot field vying for Sunday's $25,000 to-the-winner group 3 finale, Dooner isn't getting too far ahead of himself.

"We've drawn box five in the final which isn't that bad … providing he jumps," Dooner said.

“We'll know our chances after a few strides I would say but he never gives up and is pretty clever in a field.

"His run at Shepparton to finish second last week was unbelievable.

"He missed the start three or four lengths and made up a lot of ground.

"I reckon he'll give the record a nudge there as well when he comes out.

“As I said I still think there's more improvement in him yet."

GOULBURN CUP BOX DRAW

1. WOW
2. RAPALLO
3. KEENANDO
4. SOVEREIGN KING
5. GOT TO CASINO
6. OUT OF SPRITE
7. FIRESTONE ALLEY
8. AD ASTRA
9. GOOD ODDS HARADA
10. DERRY EXPRESS