Flying femme Idolize headlined four winners – in the space of a thrilling 85 minutes – for Devon Meadows husband-and-wife team Peter and Natalie Presutto at Shepparton on the weekend.
Idolize ($2.10F) claimed a $10,000 winner’s purse in the Matchmakers final (450m) defeating Devine Empress ($3.40) by 2.5 lengths, with Barista Chick ($11.10) a further 0.7 lengths away third in a slick 25.06sec.
Winner of the G1 National Futurity and G2 Laurels and runner-up in the G1 Temlee, Idolize (Jan ’20 My Redeemer x Hightan) notched her 11th win from 20 starts, including six of her past eight, with stakes of $204,840.
Chic ($1.60F) – a litter sister of Idolize and runner-up to her sibling in the National Futurity – set the ‘Presutto juggernaut’ in motion with a 25.27sec victory.
Their older half-sister, Jazz Opera ($2.80F) – last year’s G3 GRV VicBred Maiden winner on Australian Cup night – also played a winning tune in 21.90sec over 390m, along with Dynamic Prince ($11.90) which saluted in 25.06sec (Best) – 0.004sec quicker than Idolize.
The Presuttos also finished fourth with High End – a litter brother of Idolize and Chic – in the $10,000 to-the-winner Shepparton Classic final (450m).
“But she comes to life at the track; I’d call it ‘white line fever’.
She’s just a natural.”
Idolize, Chic, Jazz Opera and High End are all bred and raced in partnership with the Presuttos’ close friends Michelle and Justin Nolan, while Dynamic Prince is owned by the Burgin Racing syndicate.
“We didn’t expect it (four winners), but the conversation on the way home was great,” Peter Presutto said. “When you continually put in the hard work, it’s fantastic to get some reward.
“Greyhound racing is also a family affair – including our son James, 28, who is getting married on Saturday – and it’s the memories that count.”
Presutto summed up his thoughts on their winners’ chances but saved the best for last – Idolize.
“I thought Chic could win as she was fresh. She came back with a few problems, including a left fibula injury, from Wentworth Park (National Futurity series) and was given a let-up.
“Dynamic Prince wasn’t a total surprise. He’s been so unlucky, probably due to his box manners. But he’s back on track and beginning much better.
“And I wasn’t overly confident about Jazz Opera as she needs to get over more ground. She did a really good job to win.”
However, Presutto was keen to espouse the virtues of Idolize.
“She’s a had a lot of problems with her blood – low red cell counts (anaemia). Consequently, I couldn’t understand how she won her heat; I was just hoping for a first four finish to qualify.
“And I was just happy to be there in the final but thought she may only run a place.”
Presutto said Idolize is “such a perfect beginner” and has “gone to the next level”.
“We’ve had her since she was 14 weeks old. She’s very relaxed, does everything right, and doesn’t use any energy up at home.
The Presutto/Nolan clans after Idolize’s G2 Laurels win late last year.
“But she comes to life at the track; I’d call it ‘white line fever’. She’s just a natural.”
Presutto added that the ‘Hightan line’, as they reach two years old, get better with maturity.
“Based on how she’s improved at her past two runs, I’m now contemplating the Shepparton Cup and Golden Easter Egg.”
And Presutto provided an insight to the naming strategy behind his greyhounds.
“When I know they’ve got some ability, I spend a fair bit of time on their names. And ironically, I’m now ‘idolising’ Idolize.”
Pawnote: Hightan, at her final career start, finished third to Orson Allen in the 2019 G2 Cranbourne Cup. Noted for her reliable box manners and early acceleration, Hightan won 16 times from 47 starts – including seven city races. She’s due to whelp her third litter (by Aussie Infrared) in around six weeks.
WATCH: Idolize (8) proves a nemesis again for Devine Empress (1) in the Matchmakers.
