The Week That Was: Top 10 Rating Countdown

IT was another big week in racing – here are the top 10 rating performances from around Australia.

10. TRANSPONDER – Rating -11 (Bendigo, 1st)

Trainer Jason Thompson has a spectacular team at present and this fella is one of the unsung heroes. The recent Pink Diamond Sprint winner ran a slashing 29.49 at Bendigo on Friday to continue his sensational form and don't be surprised to see him figure in some of the big group 1 events in the back end of the year. 

‘Transponder' triumphs again

TRANSPONDER was three lengths off the Bendigo 425-metre track record in this scintillating performance.

TRANSPONDER has won eight of his last 11 races and 13 of 25 starts overall.#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/ED0Kw5luQy

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) July 7, 2023

9. ASTON BARAK – Rating -11.1 (Wentworth Park, 2nd)

Stuck to his guns with a terrific second to Fernando Hunter in masters grade at headquarters on Saturday night and I suspect it's not the last battle this pair are set to have in the company. Still racing well enough to drop back into open class events also on the strength of recent efforts.

8. LEG SPEED – Rating – 11.2 (Dapto, 1st)

Created plenty of discussion when running a remarkable 29.37 at Dapto last Thursday for trainer Mark Gatt who was full of praise his chaser possesses. On ability can match it in better class so the coming weeks and months will prove most interesting.

7. NANGAR LUCY – Rating -11.6 (Wentworth Park, 1st)

Made a one act affair of the Group 1 Peter Mosman Opal with a slashing 29.59 victory for Dennis and Ann Barnes. Has come a long way in a short amount of time and I get the feeling there is plenty of improvement left yet. 

Nangar Lucy went straight to the lead and stayed there in the G1 @ladbrokescomau Peter Mosman Opal Final at @wentyparkgreys tonight, clocking 29.59 for Team Barnes!#thedogs pic.twitter.com/vmSYzORIT0

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 8, 2023

6. HARA'S SKYE – Rating -11.7 (Albion Park, 1st)

Jemma Daley enjoyed a memorable Brisbane Cup night landing a winning treble including with Hara's Skye which recorded a flying 29.72. Hasn't had much luck with box draws so suspect with some luck there can see her go to even greater heights. 

5. HARA'S HERBIE – Rating -12.2 (Albion Park, 1st)

Another of the Daley clan to salute with a victory in the $75,000-to-the-winner Cup consolation. Posted a dashing 29.69 from box six and the Ipswich Cup winner looks poised for a big few months ahead.

4. FERNANDO HUNTER – Rating -14 (Wentworth Park, 1st)

Not getting any younger but is relishing masters grade as evidenced with his sizzling 29.49 victory at Wentworth Park on Saturday night to extend his winning sequence to six. The performance rated through the roof and it's hard not seeing him dominating the masters ranks for the foreseeable future.

Build that dog a statue!!!
Fernando Hunter wins his 22nd race at 4-1/2 years old!!! pic.twitter.com/a7NiDKfOqm

—

3. ELITE MACHINE – Rating -14.1 (Albion Park, 1st)

Brisbane Cup hero which took his career earnings past $1 million with the dazzling 29.60 triumph. Now has two group 1s under his belt and a big Melbourne Spring campaign now appears to loom large.

2023 Group 1 @SkyRacingAU Brisbane Cup Final 520m

1st: Elite Machine (4)
2nd: Postman Pat ( 8 )
3rd: Mepunga Warrior (2)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @MMcInallyPhotos @GRV_News @OfficialRWWA pic.twitter.com/4eJXdlMIWY

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) July 7, 2023

2. SHE'S A PEARL – Rating -14.2 (Wentworth Park, 1st)

True champion and that was on full display again at Wenty on Saturday night with a flying 29.47 triumph. Connections have said a third Million Dollar Chas tilt is in reach and hard to argue otherwise on the strength of Saturday night's dazzling win.

1. ZIPPING REMUS – Rating -14.6 (Wentworth Park, 1st)

Looked to have the Vic Peters Classic at his mercy and that's how it played out with the son of Feral Franky emulating the deeds of his sire with a thumping 29.33 group 1 victory. Continues to improve and as his box manners get better, who knows where he might end up? Deserved top rater of the week. 

Zipping Remus has emulated his dad Feral Franky and taken out the G1 @ladbrokescomau Vic Peters Classic in stunning fashion, clocking 29.33 and giving Team Finn back-to-back wins!#thedogs @wentyparkgreys pic.twitter.com/HxjYgkRII3

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 8, 2023