Tassie Powerhouse Roars Into Hume Cup Frame

PROLIFIC winning Tasmanian chaser Fast Minardi has stormed into Group 1 Hume Cup calculations with a breathtaking display at Sandown Park on Thursday night.

The Paul Hili-trained son of Fernando Bale was on debut at Sandown Park over the 515 metres and in a Melbourne Cup Prelude, created a huge impression, recording a sensational best of night time of 29.09.

Such was the dominance of the win, his 25th from a 41 start career, Fast Minardi ripped away to score by 5 ¾ lengths from Awesome Avenger and Rippin' Grace.

FIELDS AND FORM THE MEADOWS MONDAY NIGHT

“He went super; we know the times he can run back in Tassie, so it was great to see him perform that well on the mainland,” Hili said.

“His first split is always his worst part, he went 5.09s which is probably the best he can go but he does the best work in his middle and run home – getting home in 10.37s did shock some people.

“It was just good to see this dog come to Victoria and show the mainlanders what he can actually produce. There's always that little question there.”

Wow, he's fast

Tassie superstar FAST MINARDI obliterated the clock at his Victorian 'sprint' debut at @SandownDogs.

The Group 1 National Distance Championship runner-up @MelbourneGreys made it seven straight wins and 25 from 41 overall.#GreyhoundRacing #PremierRacing pic.twitter.com/PnRsLdt0dy

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) November 2, 2023

Fast Minardi represented Tasmania in the Group 1 National Distance Final at The Meadows back in August.

Hili said the Sandown hit-out sets his star chaser up perfectly for Monday night's heats of the Group 1 Hume Cup (600m) where he has drawn box one in heat five.

“We also trialled him twice at Sandown having a post-to-post and a full 500m trial – he went well,” the trainer said.

“Everything has gone to plan so far sending Fast Minardi and his brother Nitro Harvey across to stay in Melbourne. Just to be settled and by trying to keep them in a routine which is working great for us."

With the ideal draw of box one on Monday night, Fast Minardi looks perfectly poised to storm into the Group 1 Hume Cup decider and maintain his string of recent successes.

The Launceston 600m record holder goes up against a quality field, including Zipping Orlando (box 2) and Nangar Rocket (box 7).