Bargain Buy On Verge Of Wagga Cup Windfall

TRAINER Clint Colaiacova is hoping bargain buy Gretel Bale can produce another giant-killing performance in Friday night's Ladbrokes Wagga Cup Final (525m).

Purchased by Colaiacova from the all-conquering Wheeler breeding empire when just a two-time winner with modest Victorian form, Gretel Bale has proven to be a terrific pick up, winning a further eight races and $30,000 in prize money.

FIELDS AND FORM WAGGA FRIDAY NIGHT

Included in those victories for Colaiacova was an impressive feature win at Goulburn back in May when at an eye-watering $71 the daughter of Feral Franky downed a hot field which included Million Dollar Chase finalist One Hot Bandit.

"She's won a few finals for us since we picked her up and it would be great to add another one to that list on Friday night," Colaiacova said.

We're looking forward to the @Ladbrokescomau Bidgee Cup Final at Wagga on Friday night! Who do you like?#thedogs #greyhoundracing #wagga pic.twitter.com/CIuQuJoAQE

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"When we bought her we were hopeful we'd pick up a few races here and there but she's really exceeded our expectations. Early on she was very hot and cold but as she's gotten a bit older and matured she's started racing with a lot more confidence.

"We didn't pay a lot for her and she's repaid us back and more."

Gretel Bale qualified for Friday night's $25,000-to-the-winner finale with a slick 30.23 heat win to down Bianca's Boy by three-quarters-of-a-length.

And while she has drawn box five for the final, Colaiacova is upbeat about the ten time winner's chances.

"It's a final without a lot of early speed and some of the better chances are drawn a bit awkward," he said.

"If she can begin and get to the front then she'll run a real honest race. She might need to improve a bit at the finish but when she's out in front she's not an easy dog to get past."

Favourite for the final is the Ray Sims-trained Bianca's Boy from box one at $2.40 while Rampani, trained by his son Peter, is second elect at $3.40 from his box seven draw.

As well as having Gretel Bale engaged, Colaiacova's partner Jess Fothergill will rug up the talented Scorching Boy, which finished a seven-length second to Tiggerlong Amy in the heats.

"His run was better than it might have looked," he said.

"He's been running in harder races and Gretel Bale should give him a little bit of room early with where they are both drawn. He's not out of it either on his best form. It looks a race with a number of chances."

As well as his assault on the Wagga Cup, Colaiacova will line-up his grand warrior Run Fast Maximus in the Bidgee Brisk Final (400m) from box one.

A winner of 41 races, the grand campaigner remarkably turns six years of age in January.

Such has been his longevity, Run Fast Maximus began his racing career well before any of his rivals on Friday night were even born.

"He's just an amazing dog," he said.

"We are nearly at the finish but it'd be great to send him out a winner. If he was to win Friday night we might consider calling time."