Caption: Catch The Thief (Matt Clark) flys to victory in last year’s Warragul St Leger (Photo: BlueStream Pictures)

WARRAGUL ST LEGER (460m)
Group 3 ($25,000 to the winner) August 7
Restricted to greyhounds whelped on or after April 1, 2019.

By TERRY WILSON

THE Warragul St Leger has been won by some super greyhounds over the years but perhaps the best of all to come through the age-restricted semi-classic is Fanta Bale.
The 460m St Leger, with Group 3 status and carrying a winning purse of $25,000, is on again this month at the Victorian provincial track with the final on August 7.
The race is restricted to greyhounds whelped on or after April 1, 2019, and, once again, is expected to attract some slick young chasers.
As gun Victorian trainer Rob Britton said, the St Leger has been a breeding ground for many a grand speedster.
Britton landed the event with Fanta Bale in 2016 and it is arguably the best greyhound to have won the event.
The bitch had outstanding versatility and included among a number of Group 1 successes were wins over sprint, middle and distance classics.
“The St Leger is a very good race in that a lot of good dogs have come out of it,” said Britton.
“Look back on the race and it proven to be a very good event on the calendar.”
Rob’s brother Jeff has also tasted success at Warragul with Mepunga Daniel in 2019 when Mepunga Blazer’s brother beat a field that included the super smart Shima Shine.
As has always been the case The St Leger will attract the cream of the crop with almost all top Victorian trainers set to feature.
Last year the St Ledger was without spectators because of the coronavirus pandemic and it is more than likely to be spectator-free again this time around with the virus still causing havoc nationwide.