Bobby Axelrod will attempt to “pull a deal off the table” in the $78,795 Group 2 Sportsbet Ballarat Cup final (450m) – Race 8, 7.20pm – on Friday night.
Trained at Junction Village by Jess Hopkins, Bobby Axelrod is named after a fictional self-made Wall Street billionaire in American TV drama series Billions.
The former SA speedster is metaphorically out to prove “power is the ultimate currency” by ‘accumulating’ a $50,000 first prize.
Owned by workmates Jason Dolan and Dillon Robinson, and bred by Jason, Bobby Axelrod (Nov ’20 My Redeemer x Izza Lektra) was transferred to Hopkins in January.
“His owners were chasing better prizemoney, so a Victorian move was on their radar,” Hopkins said. “They asked Petar Jovanovic for a recommendation on a Victorian trainer, and he advised them to send Bobby Axelrod to me.”
Hopkins added that Dolan and Robinson sent Bobby Axelrod’s littermates – Lektra Teddy and Rosie’s No Angel – over first.
“He could easily run first or last as it’s such a competitive race.”
“Not long after ‘Teddy’ won at The Meadows (December 21) and ‘Rosie’ won at Sandown (December 22), they transferred ‘Bobby’.
“Any trainer would have said yes to having him in their kennel. But he took a little while to adjust to the race pressure over here.
“He came over in great condition; he was glowing. But he was in his ‘comfort zone’ in South Australia and lacked a bit of maturity.”
However, Bobby Axelrod has come a long way in a short time as evidenced with his stunning upset over “next big thing” Rejuvenate in a Ballarat Cup heat – albeit in 25.21sec (slowest of the five heat winners).
Subsequently Bobby Axelrod (Box 2) is an $8.50 chance on Sportsbet’s fixed odds market for the final.
Since joining Hopkins’ kennel, Bobby Axelrod has won four from eight – including a 24.90sec PB (from Box 2) over 450m at Ballarat.
He’s three from four at Ballarat and two from three exiting the ‘check’ alley. And he’s also notched six wins and one second in seven starts from Box 1.
“I do like his draw… Hopefully he can emulate the splits he ran when he clocked 24.90sec at Ballarat on March 15,” Hopkins said.
“But the Cup final is a different kettle of fish. He could easily run first or last as it’s such a competitive race.
“And I think the dog to beat is the ‘eight’ (Shima Dream).”
In all, Bobby Axelrod has had 36 starts for 20 wins, four seconds and three thirds with $53,920 in prizemoney. He’s won 13 of his last 19, including six of his past 10.
He won first-up for Hopkins at Ballarat, registering 25.04sec in a Western Districts Derby heat prior to finishing sixth in the final.
Click HERE for Sportsbet’s Ballarat Cup final market.
Hopkins is extremely grateful Jovanovic – a three-time G1 National Sprint Championship winning trainer – endorsed her to train Bobby Axelrod.
“Petar used to check our greyhounds when he relocated to Victoria. And when he eventually returned to South Australia he’d still come down once a month and stay with us, although COVID halted that routine.”
Hopkins was born with a proverbial ‘lead and collar’ in her hand. She’s the granddaughter of the late George Rose, who trained 1996 Victorian GOTY Wylie Boy.
“I was almost six when Wylie Boy won the 1996 Topgun. Ironically, Petar finished fourth with Shayne’s Champ. We show him the trophy every time he comes down,” Hopkins jested.
“I got the bug from an early age. When I was old enough, I didn’t waste any time obtaining my trainer’s licence.”
And greyhound racing is still a family affair. Her grandmother, Valda Rose, and mother, Sheree, lend more than a helping hand.
Hopkins combines her passion for the ‘sport of the longtails’ with involvement in thoroughbred racing syndication. She’s the ‘owner experience manager’ for Peter Morley’s ‘Grand’ syndicate.
“Peter and his racing manager, Steve Leoni, have been a great support to me mixing greyhounds with racehorses. It’s an outlet and relaxes my mind; I don’t have to think about the dogs for an hour or two.”
And Hopkins quipped: “I’m actually allergic to horses; I survive with antihistamines.”
Hopkins says all being well, Bobby Axelrod will continue along the country cups trail – including Geelong and Warrnambool.
“He was broken-in at Lethbridge by Peter Gavin, so he’s seen the inside track at Geelong.”
Hopkins informed that Izza Lektra – dam of Bobby Axelrod – whelped her second litter last weekend. Five pups sired by former superstar Shima Shine.
Pawnote: Hopkins also provided an update on Panama Canal, which she guided to 17 wins from 24 starts.
“He needed a bit of a change, so we sent him up to Tony Brett for the Gold Bullion. Unfortunately, he tore a hip in a heat.
“He’ll stay up in Brisbane with Tony, and he’s told me Panama Canal is trialling well.”
WATCH: BOBBY AXELROD (B1) holds off potential megastar REJUVENATE (B4) in a Ballarat Cup heat.
