Waterloo Cup Winner On Track For Melbourne

"At this stage it's more than likely we will go to Melbourne – in saying that the NZ Cup is Robson's first priority, then if things fall into place, Melbourne is definitely an option," commented dual-code trainer Peter Ferguson after he mentored the talented Robson to victory in Sunday's $35,000 Waterloo Cup at Manukau Stadium.

The Sandown GRC offers the Group 1 Waterloo Cup winner a heat exemption for the $630,000 TAB Melbourne Cup.

Adding a touch of reality about the great race was the presence of the gold plated TAB Melbourne Cup in Auckland on Sunday which was brought across the Tasman by Sandown Park's Mick Floyd.

Robson came away nicely from his tricky five trap draw to settle just in behind the pace setters when racing towards the first turn. As expected, it was the pacey Bigtime Cooper who led the talented field into the first turn.

His kennelmate Bigtime Seth was in close attendance, along with Robson. The Craig Roberts trained race favourite Dyna Dave was caught in midfield traffic, trying to find a racing passage when rounding the first turn.

It was the pair of Cole contenders sighted at the head of the field down the back straight with Robson sitting poised ready to strike. He effortlessly strode up the pace makers around the home turn from where he seized the race lead to stride clear for his comfortable 6.5 length Group 1 win, clocking a smart 30.32.

Dyna Dave fairly stormed home late to claim the runner's up prize. It's quite amazing that this absolute quality chaser has yet to taste success at Group race level. Bigtime Levi was also sighted charging home late.

"Robson's win was very satisfying – it was the fruition of a plan. I knew he was ready for a big effort on Sunday. He had a real good week leading into the race and when I paraded him to the traps, I knew then that he was really focused. He came away nicely and it was when they were at the 318m traps I felt confident as he was in the right place at the right time," advised Ferguson about his first Group 1 greyhound training success.

He has driven numerous Harness Group 1 winners.

"We are also rapt for the dog – he has come of age and he has matured into the complete race dog. His next race will be at Manukau in their NZ Cup prelude race (October 20)," added Ferguson.

Dyna Dave has also earnt a Melbourne Cup heat exemption via his Aussie Nationals NZ Sprint win.

"I need to acknowledge Greg Hore. He set us on the training path and he has sourced us greyhounds from Australia, which he did with Robson when Greg arranged the sale with Gary Williams in Perth who sold him to us," said Ferguson.