Winter Cup Winner On Maturity Classic Trail

MEPUNGA Reject has thrown his hat in the ring for next month's Group 1 Maturity Classic with a comprehensive victory in the Trios Winter Cup Final (520m) at Cranbourne on Saturday night.

Trainer Jeff Britton has always held a high opinion of the son of Barcia Bale which has now tasted victory in 10 of his first 21 career appearances.

And while his resume reads most impressively, Saturday night's Winter Cup was another giant leap forward for the 26-month old sprinter, disposing of a quality field in the $20,000-to-the-winner series.

Beginning well from box two, Mepunga Reject made full use of the near rails draw, sailing to the lead in the early stages before racing away to score by 3 ¾ lengths in a slick 30.05.

Finishing second was Hill Top Jack while Xavien Bale grabbed third.

Race favourite Immunity was never out of bother from box four which paid to her chances, much to the despair of punters.

Early signs indicate next month's Group 1 Maturity Classic at The Meadows is going to be a vintage edition of the age restricted series.

Greyhounds the caliber of Aston Rupee, Aston Fastnet, Qwara Bale and Jungle Deuce currently head betting given their remarkable recent form.

And while the opposing brigade will have their work cut out, box draws and a little luck along the way could take an experienced young sprinter like Mepunga Reject a long way in the lucrative series.

Moments before Mepunga Reject's Winter Cup triumph on Saturday night, Star Blazer, trained by Jeff Britton's partner Angela Langton, scored at The Meadows by a whopping 13 ½ lengths in a fast 29.71.

Not two until next month, the son of Mepunga Blazer looms as another exciting prospect that will get his shot at next month's Maturity Classic.

Pawnote: When Mepunga Reject won on debut at Sandown Park last November his owner Barry Smith gave the Greyhound Recorder an insight into the use of ‘Reject' in his name which is well worth a read.

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