Aston Rupee On Track For Adelaide Cup Berth

SPRINTING heavyweight Aston Rupee will tackle next week's TAB Match Race Challenge at Angle Park in a bid to secure his place in the Group 1 Adelaide Cup Final.

The winner of Thursday week's Match Race Challenge gains direct entry into the $100,000-to-the-winner Adelaide Cup decider which will be run and won on the brand new Angle Park circuit on Friday, October 8.

Last Thursday, the immensely talented son of Kc And All and Aston Miley obliterated the Sandown Park track record in a remarkable 28.79, confirming his status as Australia's fastest greyhound.

And next Thursday his exploits will be on full display at Angle Park but it will be without trainer Glenn Rounds by his side due to the ongoing Covid-19 border restrictions.

"We are working through some hurdles at the moment to get him to South Australia," Rounds said.

"I won't be there but I'll ensure every box is ticked to make sure he gets the best possible preparation. The series will effectively be his trial for the Adelaide Cup series but if he wins it's obviously a big bonus not having to return for the heats the following week."

"I think he thoroughly deserved it."

Glenn Rounds was beaming with pride after Aston Rupee put together one of the sport's great performances.

Wrap | https://t.co/YTLWBvuAeV pic.twitter.com/rjFsTLLNnc

— Sandown Greyhounds (@sandowndogs) September 10, 2021

The TAB Match Race Challenge will see South Australia's best four greyhounds take on the best four interstate greyhounds dubbed the “All-Stars” under match race conditions.

Four head-to-head match races will be staged with the greyhound which records the overall fastest time deemed the winner with the carrot a direct passage through to the Adelaide Cup.

"I see no reason why he won't take to the track first up – especially under match race conditions," Rounds said.

"As we saw last week he's at the top of his game and this race has come around at the perfect time for him.

"After Adelaide there's no reason for us to leave Victoria for the rest of the year with races like the Melbourne Cup and The Phoenix at the top of his agenda."

On Sunday night, Aston Rupee's leviathan breeder-owner Ray Borda was successful in his application for a slot in the inaugural The Phoenix.

And it goes without saying Aston Rupee is currently the top choice to represent his spot in the $750,000 event at The Meadows on December 18.

"A week is a long time in greyhound racing, let alone three months," Rounds said.

"Sure, at the moment we're aiming that way but there's a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then.

"For now the focus is his Adelaide Cup campaign and then we'll go from there.

“You can't get too far ahead of yourself in this game. "