The TAB Great Chase is GRV’s number one community event, and also a wonderful stepping stone for future stars of the track.
A series for greyhounds with between 1-5 wins, the past Great Chase two winners have been Dr. Tucker and Simon Told Helen, both of which have gone on to carve out sensational careers.
While COVID-19 will again prevent crowds attending the Grand Final at The Meadows, around 30 community groups from Victoria’s disability sector will participate in a Great Chase zoom call tomorrow afternoon, with eight of the organisations to be randomly drawn a greyhound in the big race.
The eight groups drawn will share in $24,000 – seven of which will collect $2,000, while the organisation matched to the winning dog will receive $10,000.
That’s sure to inspire plenty of cheer for the Group 3 feature, which will run at 2.42pm.
The TAB Great Chase has seen around $700,000 donated to Victoria’s disability sector since it was first run in 2003.
Here’s a snapshot of the 2021 TAB Great Chase Grand Finalists.
GROUP 3 TAB GREAT CHASE (525m)
Wednesday, 2.42pm
- INDY FIDO (Andrea Dailly, Anakie)
Comment: Won 3 from 13. Led all-the-way from Box 4 in 30.02 sec semi-final victory. Plenty of experience around The Meadows and drawn to be in the firing line throughout. Major player. - HAMILLSON (Richard Hill, Frankston)
Comment: Won 6 from 11. Been firing on all cylinders since returning from a break and looked good running down Revolution in 30.13sec semi, his third straight win. - HUSHING DUSK (Ian Garland, Longlea)
Comment: Won 6 from 20. Finished best in 30.46sec semi-final win. Needs to improve significantly on the clock but had consistent middle distance form prior to this series and will keep coming. - RELOADED (Glenn Rounds, Devon Meadows)
Comment: Won 3 from 13. Finished second in two starts since a break. Didn’t jump well in semi but drove to the front and was only gunned down late by quickest qualifier Ridge, running 30.07sec in defeat. - TRUE COLLINDA (Jason Thompson, Pearcedale)
Comment: Won 6 from 13. Talented type that chased home high-flying Idolize when semi runner-up. Could need some luck from the awkward alley but if she gets it she’s a player. - IDOLIZE (Peter Presutto, Devon Meadows)
Comment: Won 5 from 7. Exciting youngster with tremendous early speed. Ran a flying 4.97sec first split when leading throughout in 30.08sec semi win. Will take no end of catching if able to cross inside brigade. - RIDGE (William McMahon, Darriman)
Comment: Won 6 from 26. Ultra-consistent chaser that produced fastest semi performance with a strong-finishing 29.99sec effort from this draw, his third win from past four. Trainer won this race last year with star speedster Dr. Tucker. - WEBLEC RANGER (Angela Langton, Anakie)
Comment: Won 5 from 13. Continued impressive Meadows form with 30.33sec semi win. Won 3 from 5 this circuit.
Reserves:
- REVOLUTION (Harry Manolitsis, Lysterfield South)
Comment: Won 6 from 8. Huge talent and likely to start favourite if a runner. - SUBSTANTIAL (Anthony Azzopardi, Rowsley)
Comment: Won 5 from 16. Also endowed with great ability and a live chance if he secures a late call-up.
Recent TAB Great Chase winners
- 2020 Dr. Tucker (Bill McMahon, Darriman)
- 2019 Simon Told Helen (David Burnett, Little River)
- 2018 Go Commando (Jason Sharp, Lara)
- 2017 Despacito (Seona Thompson, Pearcedale)
- 2016 Promises Kept (Joe Borg, Maryborough)
- 2015 Unlawful Entry (Kelly Bravo, Lovely Banks)
- 2014 All Strung Out (Glenn Rounds, Pearcedale)
- 2013 Living Proof (Glenn Rounds, Pearcedale)
- 2012 Boris Fields (Jason Thompson, Pearcedale)
- 2011 Fully Advanced (Ron McCullagh, Lara)
- 2010 Up And Away (Graeme Bate, Lara)
