Mortified Storms Into Australian Cup Decider

STAR NSW bitch Mortified has been made early favourite for next Saturday night's Group 1 Australian Cup (525m) at The Meadows after winning her heat and then drawing the two in the final.

Trainer Chris O'Brien is happy with the two box in the final despite the bitch's sensational heat win off the eight.

Mortified (Fernando Bale-Banjo Tifia) scorched to the front and was never in doubt when winning her heat of the Cup on Saturday night in 29.76.

“She absolutely loves The Meadows,” said Chris. “Drawing inside in the final is fine because of the speed in the race.

“Last Monday week I trialled her box to box and she went 5.04 and 17.77. It was a great trial.”

She had to overcome the travel from NSW and the wide draw but Mortified does it in style for Chris O'Brien ?

The final is set to be a cracker next week! pic.twitter.com/ALokSq60T6

— Melbourne Greyhounds – The Meadows (@MelbourneGreys) February 18, 2023

Mortified has already been in the Group 1 National Futurity final at Wentworth Park when fourth and was third in the Million Dollar Chase Consolation.

She has won 12 and been placed four times in 20 starts.

“She had the rails in the Futurity final but slipped on the mat coming out,” said Chris.

Speed, speed and more speed! The Australian Cup is set to be an absolute cracker.

Who wins? Let us know below ? pic.twitter.com/LYr2oH4oqn

— Melbourne Greyhounds – The Meadows (@MelbourneGreys) February 18, 2023

“That one box is a real worry at Wenty.”

He will keep Mortified fresh for next week's final.

“She might have a swim, but I will not do much with her,” he said.

Of her danger in the final, Chris says every runner in an Australian Cup is a danger.

“They are all Group 1 dogs and any one of them can win,” he said.