Record Run Sees Scotch Steam Into Cup

HOOKED On Scotch solidified his standing as one of the fastest greyhound's we've seen with a mind blowing track record run in his heat of the TAB Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park on Friday night.

Shaving 1/100th off Unlawful Entry's previous time-standard recording a remarkable 28.94, Hooked On Scotch surged into next Friday night's group 1 decider for trainer Jason Thompson, the Pearcedale conditioner eyeing a fifth victory in the time-honoured event.

"I've been saying for a while the dog (Hooked On Scotch) is capable of breaking the record and tonight he's done it – I couldn't be prouder of him," Thompson said.

"If anything he was a length slow away and the track isn't what you'd say lightning fast which makes the effort even better. He's just a freak."

RELIVE HOOKED ON SCOTCH'S RECORD BREAKING HEAT VICTORY

Thompson takes a two-pronged attack into next week's $435,000 to-the-winner finale after recent kennel acquisition Flynn made light work of his heat, powering away for a 29.26 victory.

Winner of the Bill Collins Speed Star at Sandown in May running a sublime 29.08, the son of Kinloch Brae will be a major player in next week's final with any decent fortunes when the box draw is conducted.

Group 1 Topgun hero Get It Gizmo powered into the final with a slashing 29.26 heat win for Harry Manolitsis, who with wife Adean, share in the ownership of Flynn.

Surging clear late to score by five lengths, Get It Gizmo is one of four runners sired by Kinloch Brae to qualify for the cup final, with Flynn, along with the the Jeff Britton and Angela Langton-trained Oakvale Beauty (29.41) and Western Envoy (29.58), also making their way through to the big dance.

The opening Melbourne Cup heat went the way of Whiskey Riot for Anthony Azzopardi in 29.33, the son of Fernando Bale progressing through to another big race final.

Jaro Bale, a son of 2014 Melbourne Cup winner Dyna Villa, took out heat two for Andrea Dailly in 29.50, while WA star Campini, now in the hands of Glenn Rounds, upstaged boom youngster Shima Shine to land his heat in a flying 29.26.

Meanwhile, four heats of the Group 1 Bold Trease were also staged on Friday night, with Sydney Cup winner Boom Down setting the benchmark for next week's final with a slashing 41.63 victory.

The Rob Britton-trained Blazing Cartier posted a slick 41.68 leading for the majority of her qualifier, while in the opening heat, a three-way finish went the way of Tornado Tears over Rajasthan in 42.10.

Just a nose separated the first two across the line with just a whisker away to Mrs. Emgrand in third.

The second heat went to dual group 1 winner Blue Moon Rising, the grand big race performer giving nothing else a look in, leading from barrier to box in 41.79.

A third group 1 win is well within reach for the son of Fernando Bale come next Friday night.

What a night of racing it promises to be!

* PIC: GRV/BLUESTREAM PICTURES