Bear's Bullet Firms To Cup Favouritism

GROUP 1 winner and multiple Group finalist, Bear's Bullet, has firmed to outright favourite for Friday night's Group 2 Rockhampton Cup (510m).

The Travis Elson bred and trained Bear's Bullet is in to $3.20 edging ahead of fastest heat winner, Steve Scott's Inevitable at $3.60.

Bear's Bullet was beaten into second by Heffernan Bale in her heat last week, while Inevitable, having his first start for the Scott kennel in Sarina, went 29.46 when winning his heat impressively.

Locally trained Tagovailoa is next in the markets at $4.80 with Heffernan Bale at $6.

Heffernan Bale is raced by former leading Albion Park trainer Brad Mulvihill, now living in North Queensland, who a few months ago decided he wanted a dog or two with a chance of winning the Rockhampton Cup.

Mulvihill, who has not been in greyhound racing for decades, is back as an owner and has combined with Rocky trainers Juanita and Clint Thompson in recent months with great success.

“I initially bought Black Wizard from Sydney for it, and hen won first-up for us in Rocky,” said Brad.

FIELDS AND FORM ROCKHAMPTON FRIDAY

“But, I spotted Heffernan Bale running in a top grade at The Meadows a few Saturdays ago behind Yachi Bale.

“Eventually I got on to Tom Dailly, asked about buying the dog, and by the following Tuesday he was in Rocky.”

Heffernan Bale made his Rocky debut in last Friday night's Cup heat and held off Bear's Bullet to win in 29.77 at the juicy odds of $9.50.

Black Wizard made a late lunge at Edgewood but failed by inches to also get into the Cup final, Edgewood holding on grimly in 29.98.

Black Wizard is second reserve for the final.

“Full compliments to Tom Dailly and especial Brendan Wheeler for the way they handled me trying to buy the dog,” said Brad. “They were very professional.”

Heffernan Bale is still eligible for a 407m 5th grade at Rockhampton but will head to Albion Park for a Monday night 600m 5th grade in the next few weeks.

Mulvhilll believes the well-boxed Inevitable and the class act of the final, Bear's Bullet, are the hardest to beat.

Rockhampton Cup final (in box draw order): 1 Edgewood, 2 Heffernan Bale, 3 Bear's Bullet, 4  Tagavailoa, 5 Villante, 6 Farmor Casual, 7 Inevitable, 8 I'm Old School. Res: 9 Slippery Witch , 10 Black Wizard.