BACCHUS Marsh sprinter Zambora Brockie looks to have Victoria's country cups at his mercy after an impressive success in the $47,000-to-win Warrnambool Cup (450m) on Wednesday night.
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The Anthony Azzopardi-trained sprinter started a $3.90 favourite and repeated his explosive heat box exit in the final to set up an early break.
The only concern for the former Sydney trainer was when smart sprinter Aston Bolero ($5.90) unleashed a stunning second sectional burst to swoop around the favourite and lead into the home turn.
Zambora Brockie balanced up after rounding and in the run to the finish line, wearing down Aston Bolero to win by two lengths in a slick 24.94 seconds.
Azzopardi admitted a few concerns when Aston Bolero went to the front.
"When he had such a good start I expected Brockie would just go on with it," he said.
"I got a bit but worried when Aston Bolero went to the lead. Brockie wobbled a bit going into the first turn, but he balanced up and I knew he would come home strong.
“It was a good win in the end."
Track record holder Unlawful Entry stormed home to dead-heat for third with former group two winner To The Galo's.
Zambora Brockie took his prizemoney to about $175,000 after 16 wins from 28 starts.
Azzopardi, one of New South Wales’ best trainers, moved from Sydney to Bacchus Marsh in January this year and has immediately made an impact.
"We'll head Brockie towards a feature race at Sandown and just see where we go from there," he said.
"It's been a great move for me and my family.
“Victorian greyhound racing is very professional.
“It's an honour to win a race like the Warrnambool Cup.
"Jumping straight to the front like he has the last two weeks has probably won him the race tonight.
“He's definitely one of the fastest dogs I've trained," he said.
Outstanding sprinter Unlawful Entry failed to get a clear run in the early stages and it proved costly for the dog which recently set a new record at Sandown Park.
He also set a new mark of 24.72 at Wannon park last week but his pace at box rise was always going to be tested in the cup final.
Azzopardi’s other cup contender Marbo’s Magic was never a chance after blowing the start and heading towards the rail.
For the Jason Thompson-trained Aston Bolero it was a case of so close and yet so far.
Aston Bolero ran second in the Maitland Cup a couple of weeks ago behind Marbo’s Magic.
