Thunderbolt Looms For Richmond Record Holder

RICHMOND'S newest track record breaker, Sicario Beast, has The Thunderbolt, Grafton's 350m dash for cash in June, as his primary target.

Sicario Beast (Beast Unleashed-Oscar's Alibi) was sensational in running 17.83, eclipsing the track record of 17.85 held by Rocky Reef, when beating a classy line-up at Richmond on Monday night.

It was the first 320 metre Richmond start for Sicario Beast, owned by Jimmy Corbo and trained by Peter Lagogiane, but the scorching time was not unexpected.

“He equalled the track record in a trial last week,” said Pete.

“We all snapped up the $2.25 about him to win on Monday night only to see him drift to $3 when the money came for Canya Supersonic.”

Sicario Beast has an incredible record of 18 starts for 14 wins.

Lagogiane will continue to campaign the dog over sprints with the $75,000-to-the-winner The Thunderbolt the eventual target in June.

“All credit to all those who have been part of developing this dog, Marty Hallinan for rearing him, the Farrguias for educating him,” said Pete.

“The beauty of this dog and his littermates is that they are sensible but tremendous chasers.”

Sicario Beast was one of two winners on the night for the kennel, the other Cool Junior winning a maiden on debut in 18.11 as the $1.30 favourite.

Cool Junior is a real Lagogiane favourite, the trainer having prepared both sire and dam, Handsome Prince and Paycall, to fabulous race careers.

“I had a smile from ear to ear when he won,” said Pete of Cool Junior.

“He had trialled quicker than the 18.11 he went in the race.”

Lagogiane said the dog had been ready for the recent Magic Maiden at Wentworth Park during the Easter Egg carnival but a slight injury set him back.

“When he came back, he was sprinting so well, we decided to start him at Richmond last night,” he added.

“Leighton Winter reared the whole litter out at Dubbo and he had wraps on them all.

“We know how strong this dog is.”