Lalli's Adelaide Cup Glory After Tragedy

BEHIND every tragedy there is mostly a silver lining and that is the story behind Buzz Junkie's upset win in Friday night's Group 1 Adelaide Cup (530m) at Angle Park.

A few weeks ago, long-time dog man Nick Lalli stepped in front of a lure at Angle Park, the result a stint in hospital with a smashed leg which at one time was thought may have to be removed.

Nick and his mate Troy Maynard share ownership of Buzz Junkie which led throughout to win the Adelaide Cup as the rank outsider of the field, beating Zippy Tesla and Photo Man in 30.72.

He started $31.90.

Nick was never going to miss the Cup final and was at Angle Park in a wheelchair, but moved around as well with the aid of crutches.

For trainer Petar Jovanovic, 69, it was a highlight in a lifetime career in greyhound racing.

He had already trained Fox Hunt to win the 1991 Melbourne Cup and Shayne's Champ to win the National Sprint at Albion Park.

“But, it is special to win your own big Cup,” he said.

And, despite the dog starting at such big odds at only his third start is South Australia and in Jovanovic's kennel, Petar tipped him to his mates.

“I was hoping he could draw one or two, but when he came up with the eight and I saw the way the others were boxed, I told all my mates not to miss having something on him,” he said.

Buzz Junkie takes out the @tabcomau Adelaide Cup Final at $101! ? pic.twitter.com/gmQWcRJHIH

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 7, 2022

“I knew Mallee Magic would come out good but head up the track and that's what he did.”

It was Mallee Magic who pushed out into the path of the hot chances including $1.60 favourite, superstar and track record holder Wow She's Fast.

The great bitch was slammed again at the first turn and ended up pushed back to last, her chances ruined.

“It's terrific to win this race,” said Petar.

“I only got the dog a few weeks before he had his first start for me and he came from Michael and Michelle Lill in NSW.

“They have a boutique kennel and he arrived in fantastic order.

“But his owners wanted him to have a go at the Cup and here we are winning it.”

Jovanovic said Buzz Junkie would head back to NSW this coming week.

“I'd like to keep him and take him to Victoria for the Hume Cup,” he said. “But it has already been decided he will go back to Michael and Michelle.

“I don't think anyone has seen the best of this dog. He is going to stay for sure and will just keep getting better.”

Born in South Australia, Jovanovic went to Victoria in the 1990s and was lucky to have such great names as Rod Deakin, Ned Bryant and Joe Hili as mentors.

“Leslie and I moved back here in 2005,” he said.