Record Run Has Rico Primed For Shepparton Cup

HARD Style Rico has charged into this Saturday night's Group 2 Shepparton Cup Final (450m) with a track record breaking heat victory on Monday night.

The son of Bella Infrared and Bella Rico, a three-time group 1 finalist, claimed the ninth win of his career on Monday night for owner-trainer-breeder Luckie Karabitsakos, stopping the clock in a scintillating 24.77.

The previous benchmark was jointly held by Slater and Cape Hawke at 24.82, the latter setting his time way back in 2012.

Capable of rattling off sensational times, it was only a matter of time until Hard Style Rico laid claim to a track record.

Fastest qualifier for the Group 1 Silver Chief and Group 1 National Derby, Hard Style Rico's most recent appearance going into Monday night's track record breaking run was in the Australian Cup Final at The Meadows when never out of bother behind Fernando's Riot.

And on the strength of his dazzling track record breaking heat success, Hard Style Rico is perfectly poised to claim a maiden group race victory at Shepparton this weekend.

But while Monday night's heats lacked depth, the same can't be said about this Saturday night's finale, with some outstanding chasers to line-up in the $47,000 to-the-winner finale.

Heading that charge is Melbourne Cup winner Whiskey Riot, Anthony Azzopardi's superstar chaser navigating a safe passage through to the final with a gritty – and determined – 25.02 heat success over Benchester.

Qualifying second fastest for Saturday night's final is Rocky Crisafi's classy sprinter Jebrynah, the red hot favourite registering a slick 24.91 for his runaway heat victory.

Trainer Brett Nye's sensational run of form continued with Rothwell Gal's 25.11 heat success while Brace And Bits, 25.21, and Revelation, 25.25, also won through to Saturday night's finale with heat wins.

BOX DRAW GROUP 2 SHEPPARTON CUP

1. JEBRYNAH
2. ROTHWELL GAL
3. BRACE AND BITS
4. BENCHESTER
5. REVELATION
6. SNAGS MCKENZIE
7. WHISKEY RIOT
8. HARD STYLE RICO
9. GET GO BOY
10. SCATTERBOX

*PIC: GRV/Bluestream Pictures