"Next Level": Explicit's Stunning Temlee Statement
EXPLICIT announced himself as racing’s next big thing when demolishing the best sprinters in the land in the G1 Temlee on Saturday night.
EXPLICIT announced himself as Australian greyhound racing's next big thing with an all-the-way demolition of the best sprinters in the land in the Group 1 Temlee (525m) at The Meadows on Saturday night.
At just his 13th start, Explicit turned the invitational sprint into a one-act affair, extending his winning streak to eight with a blistering 29.63sec performance.
"He's a brilliant dog, this bloke," said Luke Thompson, son of champion trainer Jason.
"He's got all the habits, he's got that electric box speed and in these big races you just need that.
"All these dogs are high quality dogs, but he can run that five ‘dead' early on a consistent basis. That puts you out in front and they've got to get him and they couldn't tonight."
A son of Bernardo and Brueghelino that only turned two in January, Explicit was the least experienced runner in the Temlee field and was making his first appearance at Group 1 level.
But such is the impression the boom youngster had made in winning 10 of his 12 starts, he was the $3.70 second elect from box six in the all-star lineup.
Explicit showed what is fast becoming his trademark blistering early speed, clocking 5.00sec to lead effortlessly, and in a flawless front-running exhibition he defeated Alpha Zulu by three lengths.
It was a quinella for Jason Thompson, who won the Temlee for the fifth time and is now hoping Explicit will be the sprinter to break his Australian Cup hoodoo.
"He's pretty special, just because of that early speed," said Luke Thompson, echoing his father's sentiments from earlier in the week.
"Transponder and Alpha Zulu are top dogs, but this bloke is next level I reckon. He's a top quality dog for sure.
"We thought he might be a run underdone this week and be better for the semi and hopefully the final.
"It's the only big race Dad hasn't got to his name, the Australian Cup, so this bloke might get it for him hopefully."
Explicit was the second leg of a winning double for Thompson, with Tim Zoo, which was first reserve for the Temlee, securing an Australian Cup heat in 29.94sec earlier in the night.
The first of two Group 1 invitational events that headlined the opening night of the three-week Australian Cup Carnival saw Queensland stayer Valpolicella victorious in the Zoom Top (730m).
Trained by Tony Zammit, Valpolicella ($3.70) took the lead with a lap to go and held Zoha Bale at bay, scoring by half a length in 42.68sec.
It was the second Group 1 victory in the space of nine days for the daughter of former superstar sprinter Shima Shine, after she won the Gold Cup at her home track of Albion Park.
Latest News Articles
Greyhound Search
Trainer Search
Top Bookmakers