The Wagga owners of Aqua Cheetah don’t have any expectations for when he lines up in his biggest race to date at the Meadows on Saturday.
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Aqua Cheetah was one of eight greyhounds invited to the prestigious Topgun and will start from box four in the Group One feature.
Wagga couple Ian and Tia Robertson, bred the dog and retained ownership alongside friend Mark Morgan.
They will all be trackside in Melbourne to cheer on the last start Group One winner as he chases the $150,000 first prize.
Ian Robertson said they are more than happy just to be part of the big night.
“It’s a hard race and it sorta doesn’t matter if he doesn’t win it, we are just happy to be in it and be invited,” Robertson said.
“We will go up there with no expectations and hope for the best.”
The box draw shapes as an early obstacle.
Aqua Cheetah will start in the middle of the track but dogs to his inside could create a squeeze at the start.
“The three runs off and the two runs in the middle of the track too so he has to miss them coming into the first turn,” Robertson said.
“It is going to be interesting with the way the boxes turn out.”
Aqua Cheetah isn’t known as the most reliable of beginners, but it could work in his favour in the biggest race he’s been involved in.
“If he misses the kick he can drive right up the inside as the one should lead,” Robertson said.
Aqua Cheetah has never won over the track and distance but Robertson believes he is well prepared after trialling on course earlier in the week after a positive report from trainer Jason Thompson
“He trailled up there Monday night and flew,” Robertson said.
“He had a box to box and Jason took him up there so he is in form and race hard fit.
“I know Jason is really happy with him.”
A group of 20 will be trackside for one of the biggest nights at the Meadows.
The Roberstons will travel up on Saturday before being part of the action.
“Tia has to work until 12 so I’m picking her straight up from work and then off we go,” Robertson said.
“It will a good night.
“Even if we run a place it will be good as it is 40 odd thousand for second and 20 odd thousand for third.
“Even to run a place would be a big thrill.”
Aqua Cheetah is currently a $10 chance with TAB Fixed Odds and is on the eighth line of betting.