New Look Take Two Set For Casino Cup Defence

THE talented Take Two begins his Casino Cup defence on Friday but under vastly different circumstances to when he swept to victory in the group 3 showpiece 12 months ago.

Since his career defining Casino Cup triumph, Take Two has faced the starter on just seven occasions, the three most recent of those for new trainer Craig Last, producing two wins and a second.

"I'm really thankful that his owner Chrystal Hensing offered me the chance to give the dog a go," Last said.

FIELDS AND FORM CASINO FRIDAY

"He hadn't raced since June and had a few issues so we gave him a good four months off to really give him a reset. We worked on getting his bloods right with antibiotics but I think it was mainly that time off that worked.

"First up for us he won at The Gardens and then he was a close second at Maitland before winning at his most recent start.

"He's going well and hopefully in the next few months we can target some nice races with him."

TAKE TWO CLAIMS THE CASINO CUP ????

John Thomas and Take Two have claimed the G3 Charcoal Inn Casino Cup, holding off Respectability and Louis Rumble in thrilling fashion to take home the $25,000 winners cheque.

Full Result: https://t.co/YpLqYCw2HO#thedogs pic.twitter.com/44Y8KJG1FE

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) November 25, 2022

Winner at 10 of his 22 starts, Take Two has proven that his best is right up to group race level, demonstrated in last year's Casino Cup when in the care of John Thomas.

And it was the son of El Grand Senor's recent successful return to racing which gave Last the confidence to plot a Casino Cup defence with the star conveyance.

"I took him up to Casino to have a refresher look at the track last week and I'm glad he did because he slipped coming out (of the boxes)," Last said.

"He's obviously raced there before but in races like this you want to give them every chance and tick every box you can. Hopefully it pays off on Friday." 

Take Two has drawn box seven in heat six of the Casino Cup where he is a $4.20 second elect behind $2 favourite Magic Secret.

But it's the Bob Cooke-trained Gypsy Joker in box six Last believes will be hardest to beat.

"I know Cookie well and his dogs are always well prepared and hard to beat," he said. "I'll be going there trying to beat him but he'll be trying to beat me as well.

"I'm just hoping my dog can get himself into the race down the back. He's pretty strong."

The last year has proven to be a career best for Last, winning upwards of 60 races with a tidy winning strike-rate as he's watched the quality in his kennel improve markedly.

"I think people have started to see the hard yards we put in and it's starting to pay off," Last said, quick to heap praise on partner Bec for her tireless work also.

"We've got some great support and some terrific new owners. Peter Lagogiane has been a huge support to me and Michael and Michelle Lil have sent us a couple of nice dogs as well.

"Michael Phillips is on board now as well and like anything if you're dealing with a bit better quality it makes it easier to get the results.

"But it doesn't make you work any less hard. If anything, you go harder."

While enjoying a career year with his blossoming kennel, Last has further cause for excitement as the countdown to the brand new Taree track edges closer.

"Very exciting – we actually popped over for a sticky beak the other day," Last said, residing just 20 minutes outside of Taree.

"To have a nice, safe and new track close to home to race and trial is huge for us. It opens up doors for better quality dogs and helps you get the returns for the owners who put their faith in you.

"We don't mind travelling but a few less hours on the road each week won't hurt."