MARTELLOTOWERS shrugged off his underrated tag with a courageous last-stride win in the division one final of the Greyhound Owner, Trainer, Breeder Association Tasmania series at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart last night.
The Gary Fahey-trained dog has been steadily growing his list of wins with this latest triumph his 15th and seventh on the Hobart circuit from 18 tries.
It was a sensational effort given the race leader, rank outsider Shanlyn Twiggley ($42) held a four-length break turning for home and still had two lengths to spare in the shadows of the post.
But MartelloTowers ($2.60 fav) kept digging deep and a last ditch lunge right on the finish line delivered the desired result.
MartelloTowers has been competitive against the best in the state but this was clearly his most impressive win.
Shanlyn Twiggley began well from box six and had no trouble crossing to the rail while Frytson (2), Franklin Bluboy (3), Gracie (5) and MartelloTowers (8) were spread four-wide across the track attempting to slip into second spot.
While Martello was trying to surge ahead of the pack and find the rail, Shanlyn Twiggley slipped well clear and looked to have a winning break at the top of the home straight.
MartelloTowers has been a model of consistency these past months with this latest win his second in the space of three outings and his third from a dozen starts.
But he also has notched multiple minor placings.
The dog’s career record sits at 15 wins and 18 minor placings from 42 starts for $27,300 in stakes.
The dog is owned in partnership by Barry Heawood and the trainer, who also bred the litter.