Ralston All The Rage In Tassie Gold Cup

NEW track record holder Raging Ralston has been installed a pronounced favourite for Thursday night's Tasmanian Gold Cup Final (461m) at Hobart.

Last Thursday, the son of My Bro Fabio set a new 461 metre time-standard at the Hobart circuit, winning his heat of the $5,000 to-the-winner series in a gobsmacking 25.46.

"With what he's been doing lately the time didn't really surprise me; his 14.33 run home is just unheard of," said his trainer Ted Medhurst.

"He just lives and breathes to race this dog. He's only just two and I said to his owner Roger after (last) Thursday with what I'm seeing I expect him to keep improving over the next few months. He's still a bit green, but he's learning."

Winner at 14 of his 17 starts, Raging Ralston has drawn box seven for Thursday night's Tasmanian Gold Cup, while his brother, Stanley Gordon, a "disappointing" 25.81 heat winner, will exit box five.

"Box draws are a bit like the weather, you can talk about them all you like but it's not going to change anything," Medhurst joked.

"The dog in the pink (Atley Quick) shows good speed so if he carves across, Raging Ralston should get a good run down the outside.

"I was disappointed in Stanley Gordon last week, it was a lethargic effort I thought. He's completely different to his brother, he's a lot more nervy.

"Before last week, I would have said it wouldn't have surprised me if he beat Raging Ralston in the final but after what I saw in the heats I would be now.

"Both dogs have had a gallop up my straight and go into the race nice and healthy, it's just about luck now."

In what looms as a terrific race, the remaining heat last week was won by Jillian Stamford's grand campaigner Stop Line, the winner of 26 from 43 scoring in a slick 25.80.

And while last week's mind-boggling track record run has only increased Medhurst's appetite to test his star youngster on the mainland, it won't be until the new year. As was always the plan.

"The plan was to go to the St. Leger, Gold Cup, Devonport (Chase) and Hobart Thousand so we'll stick to that," Medhurst said.

"We are starting to get to the hotter weather and I don't know how they will travel either. Going to trial is a two-day exercise so we'll stick to the plan and look at some races early in the new year.

"But don't worry, he'll get his chance, I'm looking forward to it."

Meanwhile, Medhurst's terrific recent run extended to Devonport on Tuesday, winning both heats of the Puppy Championship (452m) with Connected and Fabulous Baroque.

Connected posted a smart 25.66 while Fabulous Baroque recorded 26.04.

******************

One of the more interesting runners at Hobart this Thursday night is the appearance of unbeaten chaser Carrujong Kid in the final event on the program.

Trained by Pat Ryan, the son of Fabregas was victorious at both career starts in sizzling times at Devonport back in June.

He makes his eagerly awaited return over the 340 metres on Thursday from box two.