‘Simply Awesome': Buck Breaks Through In Cup

PASS The Buck sensationally won the Sportsbet Warragul Cup at his second attempt on Friday night, leading all of the way to claim the group 2 feature in stunning style.

Wearing the white vest, the son of Bernardo was the first to leave the boxes, landing a length clear of Zeus Thunderbolt (1) and favourite Flying Zulu (4).

The chasing pair closed the gap approaching the first turn however when they brushed, it caused a chain reaction of minor interference that left Pass The Buck clear of the field. 

Flying Zulu reduced the margin on straightening for home, however as he did in last week's heats, Pass The Buck rallied late to claim the victory by 1.5 lengths. 

His time of 25.49 was a length faster than his heat win, and 0.02 seconds faster than his previous best at the track, set in the 2024 Cup Warragul heats.

The win was a proud achievement for trainer Anthony Azzopardi.

Whelped and reared by Azzopardi, Pass The Buck began his career in August 2023, winning seven of his first eight career starts and contested three group races by his 16th start.

Such was his boom, he contested the 2023 The Phoenix when representing the TAB.

A recurring wrist injury required five months on the sidelines. Fully recovered, Azzopardi jumped at the opportunity to purchase the greyhound from breeder Darren Puleio, his victory – and $47,000 winner's cheque – justifying his belief in the dog.

Later in the meeting, Azzopardi claimed the final event on the card with August Finch scoring in 22.52, capping a phenomenal three days for the Rowsley based mentor which has seen him prepare seven winners from his last eight starters.

As well as the winning double at Warragul, Azzopardi also prepared a winning double at Geelong.

On Wednesday, he trained a double at Ballarat including Hotel Whisky One breaking the 450m track record, while on Thursday, Gold Scotch narrowly ran second in the Group 1 Golden Sands (600m) at Albion Park.

He will be hoping his golden run can continue at Wentworth Park on Saturday night when he sends Gambella and Marrakesh to compete in the heats of the Group 1 National Futurity, a race he has won in the past.