Sophie Hot To Trot In Murray Bridge Cup

MURRAY Bridge Cup winner Hot Sophie will be given her chance in Victoria says trainer Tony Rasmussen.

The daughter of Fernando Bale and Cuddlesome Tears defied every rival to run her down when holding on to win Sunday night's Cup final (455m) at the big odds of $18 beating favourite Short Pork by a neck with Toby Time in third.

“I've got a dog I'm taking to the Launching Pad at Sandown and this bitch will come over for a trial there to get ready for some races in Victoria,” said Rasmussen.

The leading trainer was ecstatic with the victory.

“They had every chance to run her down, but couldn't,” he said.

“It's the best she's ever gone, but there is a lot more to come from her. She's getting stronger and stronger with every run.”

Hot Sophie was bred and reared by Angela Meimetis and she and her family have been long-time friends of the Rasmussen family.

“Angela rang me six months ago to train the litter but I had no room,” said Tony.

“So I went out and built some more kennels just to fit them in. But it took me three months of work to get them. All credit to Dave Knocker in Victoria. I sent them to him to be re-educated and he got them going.

“Dave said Hot Sophie trialled 16.30 around his track and that is flying. He had a huge wrap on her.”

Other stars in the litter include Hot Sambuca which was a scorching winner at Angle Park last Thursday night and Hot Spartan who has had toenail troubles but is about to return to racing.

“I'm very excited about winning the Cup,” said Tony.

“Being in big race finals is always a stress, so I got the boat out and went fishing two days before the final. It settled me down.”

Hot Sophie was brilliant, bursting clear out of the boxes and then holding off all challengers.