Exciting prospect Dalgetty ($1.60Fav) proved too good for his opposition in Friday night’s $77,000 Group 2 Geelong Cup (460m), however he didn’t have it all his own way despite having the advantage of box one.
Amaro Bale skipped to an early lead before Dalgetty (Stagger x Rockin’ Along) quickly drew level out in front, with the pair tangling before the latter shot away to an impressive win in 25.60sec to claim the $47,000 first prize . His time was five lengths shy of his all-conquering best of night heat win, however that was to be expected given the interference he encountered in the final.
Cut Loose Max, who is proving to be a bargain buy from the 2014 Ready 2 Race Sales, flashed home for second place with Amaro Bale third.
Earlier in the day, Thompson refused to be drawn into the suggestion in the media during the week that Dalgetty could be the next Black Magic Opal, who is 2013 burst on to the scene to capture the Geelong Cup/Melbourne Cup double.
“He (Dalgetty) is a very nice young dog but he’s no Black Magic Opal…not yet anyway. He is still young but he’d have to improve a fair bit before I’d compare him to Black Magic Opal,” he said.
With 10 wins from 15 starts and his first group win under his belt, Dalgetty is certain to gain a start in the $600,000 TAB Melbourne Cup heats at Sandown Park on 12 November.
Dalgetty was bred by Carole Brown and is owned by the Veetee Living The Dream Syndicate.
Watch: Replay of Dalgetty’s big win & Jason Thompson interview.
Dalgetty strides to the finish line in the $77,000 Geelong Gold Cup. Pics Clint Anderson.