Rumble Ranger Sets Vince Curry Maiden Pace

STEVE Kavanagh can't remember the last time he took on the time-honoured Vince Curry Maiden series at Ipswich only that it did not work out as expected.

David Brasch27 January 2021

LEGEND dog man Steve Kavanagh can't remember the last time he took on the time-honoured Vince Curry Maiden series at Ipswich only that it did not work out as expected.

“It was many years ago and we did no good,” said Steve.

“This is only the second time I've had a dog to run in the series.”

What a difference a decade or so can make.

Kavanagh's Rumble Ranger (Fernando Bale-Joyce Rumble) scorched to a first section record of 5.16 on his way to a 30.33 heat victory at Ipswich on Saturday night, scoring by six and a half lengths.

The red brindle dog is one of a super litter bred by Kavanagh from his former top class race bitch Joyce Rumble.

The red brindle dog is just 28.7kgs.

“He's not real large, but he's alright,” said Kavanagh.

It was Rumble Ranger's fifth race start but the first time he has gone 500m and not raced from a corner start.

“He ran in the Pop Northfield and then the big maiden at Lismore, each of them from corner starts,” said Steve.

“You can see what a difference the run to the first turn has made for him.

“And it was the first time he has been over 500 metres. He went beautiful.

“In fact, he went so fast to the first turn he went half way up the track going around that turn.”

And he was still able to reel off a 30.33 winning time.

But Kavanagh has warned punters to be wary about the dog's next start.

“We all know such a first-up run like that can take its toll,” he said. “Let's hope it doesn't.”

Kavanagh said dam Joyce Rumble has a 14-month old litter by Fabregas just starting their early education and he is uncertain what to put her to next.

He likes Feral Frankly, Whiskey Riot and Pindari Express for her but has made no firm plans.

“When you've got a proven broodbitch like her it makes it a bit easier,” he said.

At Albion Park on Thursday night, another from the litter, Louis Rumble, continued his sparkling form to score in a dashing 29.72.

Other Vince Curry heat winners on Saturday were: Trivet in 30.58, Running Express in 30.69, Dark Angel in 30.99, Feel The Beat in 30.80, Brockie Magic in 30.87, Alfie Romeo in 30.87 and Zane Herrera in 30.87.