Launch Code Caps Off Stunning Rise In Maturity

GIFTED chaser Launch Code has capped off a fairytale kennel change to race to victory in Saturday night's Group 1 Maturity Classic Final (525m) at The Meadows.

It was only on July 1 that the son of Fernando Bale first stepped out for Brooke and Jamie Ennis and just 22 days later the powerhouse performer is now a group 1 winner.

Owned by Luigi Pisano, who trained the March ‘21 whelp to five wins from his opening 18 appearances, Launch Code has won four on the bounce since transferring to the Ennis kennels, culminating in Saturday's Maturity Classic triumph.

"Launch Code goes like a rocket!" ?

Launch Code reigns supreme in the G1 Maturity Final at @MelbourneGreys. pic.twitter.com/hjT4M8nntl

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 22, 2023

Making full use of a saloon passage down the centre of the track from his box six draw, Launch Code carved out 5.08s early before running 17.68 up the back to set up the scintillating 29.79 win.

While the winning margin from Make No Promise was a comfortable 1 ¾ lengths on the line, there were moments in the drive to the home turn where it looked as if the runner-up would make a real race of it.

But the Paul Bartolo-trained runner's momentum was haltered when switching off the leader's heels with the race then as good as over.

Tinker Norm, which at stages also looked like figuring deep in the finish, ran third a further half-length away for a proud owner-trainer Craig Burns.

Meanwhile, the second group event of the program, the Group 3 The Fireball Final (730m), went the way of Alfie Moon for a jubilant Jess Hopkins.

? FIREBALL FINAL ?

ALFIE MOON (Rug 5) won the Group 3 KCR #Fireball Final (730m) at @MelbourneGreys in 42.621 seconds for trainer Jess Hopkins.

Result ?? https://t.co/sYkqMYeExT#GreyhoundRacing #PremierRacing pic.twitter.com/6pkXsRZog6

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) July 22, 2023

In a mixing affair, Alfie Moon edged out grand campaigner Jarick Bale to land the group 3 feature by a neck in 42.61.

Sunnyside Zeus finished third, continuing his upward ascension in the staying ranks.