Hello Rhonda Blitzes Rising Stars

TALENTED galloper Hello Rhonda, after finishing a promising second in her heat, went right on with the job with a stylish victory in Monday night's TAB Rising Stars Final (515m) at Launceston.

Owned and trained by Robin Grubb, the white and brindle bitch was quickly away from box three in the $2,000 to-the-winner feature and was never headed in her six-length win over perennial placegetter Wheels Up and Sebastian Lee in 29.92.

Grubb was elated with Hello Rhonda's second major race victory from just 21 starts thus far.

"All three pups from this Fernando Bale litter have made a name for themselves and Hello Rhonda has improved dramatically in recent months," said Robin Grubb.

By freakish sire Fernando Bale, Hello Rhonda is out of Sing The Song, a winner of 20 races, two of those at Launceston. She was a former Devonport track record holder at 25.01 and also finalist in the 2015 Launceston Cup won by Brad Hill Billy.

"When we started educating this litter Hello Rhonda was always behind her other two littermates in trials. Hello Rhonda has won eight races now including the Hobart Thousand Consolation – I couldn't be more pleased really," Robin added.

The deeds of this Fernando Bale x Sing The Song litter have been led by brilliant bitch Peco Can, who finished a gallant second to Leeroy Rogue in the Hobart Thousand in December.

Litter-brother Hello Lenny has won seven races from just 22 starts.

"I haven't raced this litter at Launceston much, I've really tried to chase the puppy races on the other two tracks, Hello Rhonda seems to handle it (Launceston) really well," told Robin.

Grubb will now have a two-pronged attack on the Group 2 Launceston Cup heats Monday week, with veteran chaser Hello Nugget racing in brilliant form of late, including a sensational second to Corykodi in the recent Devonport Cup Final.

"The kennel is on fire at the moment and both Hello Rhonda and Hello Nugget will be our two entries in the heats, it will be a huge step up for Hello Rhonda though on the way she performed on Monday you'd be mad not to give her a chance," Grubb stated.

"Age is no limit to Nugget, he is absolutely flying and looks in great order and deserves a chance!"