Halse's Perth Cup Trio Right On Track

WHEN you consider the class of animal they've had run through their Nambeelup kennels over the past two decades, it's bordering on almost inconceivable that Chris Halse and Linda Britton haven't tasted Group 1 Perth Cup success since way back in 1999.

Dominating the WA training ranks for as long as they – or anyone else – can remember, the duo boast two Perth Cup successes, courtesy of Wynlee Supreme in 1992, while seven years later, Bliss Bale claimed victory in 1999.

The Group 1 Galaxy is a vastly different story for the pair, putting the polish on five winners, namely Paradise Street (1998), Harvard Bale (1999), Jennev (2002), Winter (2004) and Western Land (2009), and unless something goes outrageously wrong this weekend, one expects Tornado Tears will extend that tally to six.

And while the all-conquering duo have been starved of success in the ‘big dance' of WA greyhound racing since 1999, that may very well change at Cannington this Saturday night, with Kiss Me Linda (box 2), Hasten Slowly (box 4) and West On Augie (box 8) set to take their place in the $150,000 to-the-winner Perth Cup decider.

"We've ran a lot of seconds in the Perth Cup since then to a lot of very good dogs, it's not an easy race to win," said Halse on Thursday in the lead up to Saturday night's Group 1 Perth Cup.

Heading Halse's Perth Cup claims is his Group 1 National Sprint champion West On Augie, the February '16 son of Fernando Bale and Te Amo, a two-time Group winner also trained by Halse and partner Linda Britton, quoted a $3.50 second favourite behind Orson Allen ($2.25) with bookmaker Bet365.

Watch West On Augie's Perth Cup heat win

"He had box eight last year in the Perth Cup Final as well and out wide at Cannington can be a bit of a nightmare but I don't think he's as badly boxed this year, he's a year older as well and far more seasoned," explained Halse of West On Augie, an all-the-way 29.72 heat winner.

"Everyone is expecting Campini to carve across pretty hard from six and there's a few crashers drawn inside so West On Augie, and Orson Allen, should get a decent run early. My bloke went 5.51 early last week but should have probably went mid-5.40s, that should have him thereabouts early you'd think.

“Since the new track opened at Cannington each of the Perth Cups has been won from box one, the inside is a real advantage."

Second in betting for Halse in Saturday's Perth Cup is Angela Langton's Brisbane Cup hero Hasten Slowly, the son of Fernando Bale quoted a $13.00 chance with bookmaker Bet365, following his stylish 29.79 heat win at the weekend.

Watch Hasten Slowly's slick Perth Cup heat win

"He's settled in very well, he was here last year as well so it's a bit like a second home for him," said Halse of Hasten Slowly, who incidentally finished a half-length second to West On Augie in the Group 1 National Sprint Final at Sandown Park last August.

"On paper his worry might be if Dyna Patty and Campini crash down on him early but he's a mighty chaser and very professional race dog, he always aims up in these big races, he's right in the chances for sure.

"I think Dyna Patty is flying a bit under the radar this week, probably because she's drawn inside Campini, but he can miss it at times and it wouldn't surprise me if she went to the front either. But 100% the dog to beat is Orson Allen."

While the third of Halse's trio, Kiss Me Linda, is set to go around one of the rank outsiders for Saturday night's $150,000 to-the-winner final, currently a $51.00 chance, you wouldn't know it given the popularity of the 15 start youngster.

The daughter of Kinloch Brae and West On Bluebird is owned by local media personality Gareth Hall and a group of thoroughbred racing identities, including Shane Kirkup and Chris, Brad and Shane Parnham.

The baby of the field, she takes her place from box two on the strength of her cracking second to Dyna Patty in the heats, finishing just 1 ½ lengths astern of the Australian Cup winner after setting a hot pace in front.

"She doesn't begin at Mandurah but she flies out at Cannington, she's probably got about as good a chance as I have of winning on Saturday but if she does you'll certainly hear about it," quipped Halse.

"She's only won the four races and is the youngest in the field so being realistic she's going to find it hard but every time I've turned the radio on this week they've been talking about her, it's been great promotion for the sport."

Speaking of great promotion for the sport, Halse told the Recorder that superstar galloper Tornado Tears hasn't missed a beat in the lead up to Saturday night's Group 1 Galaxy Final (715m), following on from his track record obliteration last weekend in the heats, running 41.25.

"It's a lot of pressure having a dog like him in your care, even if it's just for the couple of weeks," said Halse.

"He's in perfect order going into Saturday night and having a dog of his talent over here is great promotion for the sport – I'm sure he'll get a lot of people through the gates on Saturday just by the fact he's racing alone."

In surmising his Perth Cup prospects Halse was very matter of fact, declaring that luck will play a significant role, as it usually does in these big Group 1 finals.

"I've been around long enough to know you need luck to go your way to win these races so hopefully some comes our way on Saturday night," added Halse.

"All the dogs are in great order – we've prepared them as best as we can and controlled what we can control. We'll see what happens Saturday, once they're in those boxes there's not much else you can do."