Lagogiane Unearths A Potential Superstar

PREMIER trainer Peter Lagogiane was the least surprised when French Martini made her race debut at The Gardens on Friday in a maiden heat over 515m running a near track record 29.22.

Peter believed the Aston Dee Bee and Sheez My Chicki bitch could have broken Zipping Bailey's track mark of 29.16.

“The first time I trialled her at The Gardens she went 29.38,” he said. “I have always believed Beast Unleashed is the fastest greyhound I have trained.

“But, at this stage of her career she is the female version. Everything Beast did at the same age, this bitch is doing the same.”

Beast Unleased was a track record breaker, multiple Group winner of the Launching Pad and Gosford Cup and now a promising stud dog.

While French Martini was super impressive, her litter brother Sunnyside Boy also won a heat of the Robert Smith Memorial Maiden, running a scorching 29.41.

“He has really come good in the last month since I stepped him up in distance,” said Peter.

Both youngsters are owned by Adam Brandt who sent Lock Master to Peter from Sheez My Chicki's first litter, by Fernando Bale.

“Adam approached me to train Lock Master and he can really gallop and it was a great litter,” he said. “He bought this pair as pups, got them reared and sent them to me at 14 months.

“Everything French Martini has done has been special.

“The world is at her feet.”

But Lagogiane will not rush either of the youngsters.

“They are only young and we will look to their future after next week's final,” he said.

“We also have another litter brother who is just as good but he has had a few injuries and will be a little while before starting.”

Lagogiane said the brilliant box speed of both French Martini and Sunnyside Boy is their greatest asset.

French Martini started $1.07 and won by 12 and a half lengths out of the two box.

Sunnyside Boy started $1.80 and won by five and a half lengths.