It’s been a week to remember for Luckie Karabitsakos, with his record-breaking 2020 Melbourne Cup hero Hard Style Rico siring his first winner.
Hard Style Rico’s first runner, Stylish Rico, was victorious at Albion Park last Sunday, opening his account at his second start.
“They’re very proud moments,” said Karabitsakos.
“At his first start, at Ipswich, Stylish Rico was going for the front, but they closed the gap and he fell, so it was fantastic to see him come out and do that at his next start.
“His trainer, Brent Kline, told me he would run through a brick wall – he’s all chase, chase, chase.
“I’ve got a brother here that has broken in super, so hopefully it’s happy days ahead.
“On the same afternoon, Hard Style Rico’s sister, Ricolina Lass, produced a winner at Sandown (Rico Eclipse). I sold him as a pup to Anthony Lamarca and that was his first start.
“It was exciting to see brother and sister produce their first winner on the same day.”
WATCH: RAVERS ARMY (B1) came from a long way back to career away for a commanding 595m victory at Sandown Park on August 21, clocking 34.29sec.
Having scaled greyhound racing’s greatest heights with Hard Style Rico, Karabitsakos has cut back his racing team and currently has only two in work, Ravers Army and High Tribe Rico, regally bred Fernando Bale x Bella Rico half-brothers to Hard Style Rico.
High Tribe Rico claimed his third straight win at Sandown Park on Thursday night, clocking 29.79sec, while potential staying star Ravers Army will be looking to continue his impressive middle distance form at Sale on Sunday night.
Ravers Army, winner of six from 14, has thrived since stepping up in journey, recording two wins and two close seconds from five 595m assignments at Sandown Park.
Karabitsakos is optimistic the blueblood will continue his upward spiral in Sunday’s $10,000 to-the-winner Vic Bred Distance Series Special Event over 650m (Race 8 at 7.58pm).
“Early doors he was still working it all out, but he’s developing into a very consistent race dog,” Karabitsakos said.
“When he was running over the ‘500’ he had a really strong home time and I always thought he’d get a bit of ground.
“The bend start over the ‘600’ isn’t ideal, but he’s been racing well since I’ve stepped him up.
“I gave him a quick look at Sale yesterday (Wednesday) and while Box 8 isn’t ideal, I expect him to perform.
“The further he goes, the stronger he gets and he’s ready for the 650m now.
“We’ll see how he gets the 650m on Sunday and all going well, I’ll look at getting him up to 700m.
“He’s still only a baby, so I am throwing him in the deep end, but I’m hoping he can be competitive in some of the better middle distance and staying races coming up. We’ll learn a lot more on Sunday.”
