Photo Man Picture Perfect In Topgun Romp

PHOTO Man stormed into Topgun folklore when causing an upset victory in the Topgun at The Meadows on Saturday night.

A somewhat controversial omission from the original field, Photo Man gained a start (along with second reserve Amron Boy) following the scratching of Orchestrate and Good Odds Cash and took full advantage of the opportunity.

Jumping from box eight, Photo Man ($20.20) crossed the field to lead through the first turn and from there was never headed, landing the group 1 invitational by two lengths in 29.91.

"Absolutely unbelievable," said emotional trainer Gavin Clifton.

The very happy team behind this year's G1 Sportsbet Topgun winner, Photo Man! ? pic.twitter.com/LQAx1O7GgA

— Melbourne Greyhounds – The Meadows (@MelbourneGreys) November 5, 2022

"It's staggering, I don't know what to say."

Photo Man entered the race in excellent form having been placed in 12 of his last 13 starts including a close third in his last start in the Adelaide Cup – his second placing at group 1 level – however he picked up an injury that led to a stressful few weeks for connections.

"From not being in the race to being in the race to drawing the carpark. The story will come out eventually what we've been through in the last few weeks with this dog, split webbing in Adelaide, all that stuff.

"To get him up (for this race), my cousin Dave (McKenzie) and I worked really hard, so hard in the last three weeks like you wouldn't believe. Down at the beach, the salt water, to get him over the line tonight is enormous. I'm lost for words, unbelievable.

? SPORTSBET TOPGUN ?

PHOTO MAN quenches his thirst after taking out the $233,250 Group 1 @sportsbetcomau #Topgun at @MelbourneGreys for trainer Gavin Clifton.#GreyhoundRacing #DreamChasers pic.twitter.com/nDDuUB3iFP

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) November 5, 2022

"This is dream stuff. I'll have to get Dave to pinch me to make sure it happened."

Million Dollar Chase winner McInerney ($13.50) was an unlucky second with Vice Grip ($19.60) a head away in third, the trifecta paying $1781.

Favourite Wow She's Fast ($2.50) was never a factor after being squeezed out to the back of the field in a frenetic dash to the first turn and was checked again down the back straight.

Half an hour earlier, Moraine Suzie also carried the number nine vest to victory in the Topgun Stayers.