Ducati Roy Revving Up For Traralgon Cup Test

HIGH-class chaser Ducati Roy will be striving for his first interstate feature success when he lines up in the $83,000 Group 2 Traralgon Cup Final (450m) on Friday night for Tasmanian trainer Mick Sherriff.

The son of Hard Style Rico and Elsey Gregg qualified for his fourth group race final in 24 starts when stepping out on the unique J-shaped Traralgon track last week, claiming his heat over Salad Dodger in 24.83s off box two.

He scored by almost two lengths on the line, bringing up his 13th career victory for owners the Esplanade Syndicate.

Showing significant ability in his brief career to date, trainer Mick Sherriff is thrilled to see his kennel star make his way to another big race, having already made the Group 3 Warragul St. Leger (460m).

Ducati Roy was also third in the Group 1 Hobart Thousand and recently made the Group 3 Ladbrokes Devonport Chase.

"Everything has gone well, his trial in the lead-up was quite fast, it matched up with the run," Mick Sherriff said.

"I thought that Skinny Olive (box 1) and Short And Stumpy (box 3) would spear out, giving my bloke clear room to get moving. He got a safe run and the way he went around the leader was what really impressed me."

Tassie star salutes

DUCATI ROY has mowed down local hero SKINNY OLIVE to win the fourth heat of the Group 2 Sportsbet Traralgon Cup.

A multiple group race finalist, DUCATI ROY made it 13 wins from 24 career starts.#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/Qscr5gZYwE

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) January 22, 2024

The $55,000-to-the-winner Traralgon Cup Final has brought together a superb field as expected for a major race.

Powerhouse sprinter Unleash Collinda set the time standard for the series clocking 24.68s, giving trainer Jason Thompson a big chance in the race, with two runners as Got Attitude also qualified for the field.

And while drawing box five for the decider would worry most, Sheriff has taken the draw in his stride.

"It doesn't really matter where he draws as he doesn't begin well; he just needs to find his feet early," Sheriff said.

"It has been a big turnaround for the dog, he pulled up a bit ordinary after the Devonport Chase, so he only had the one trial over a shorter trip leading into the series, we think he should be spot on for the race this week.

"It is a great thrill for us to be in the final and to both Barry Heawood and Murray Johnson (owners)."

Ducati Roy will remain with caretaker trainer Bec Romyn heading into the feature event this Friday night.