Hot favourite Swoop Dog justified punters enthusiasm when scoring a dominant two and a half length win in the $100,000 Launceston Guineas (2100m) in Tasmania on Wednesday evening.
The John Blacker trained Husson (Arg) gelding followed up his last start win in the Listed Tasmanian Guineas (1600m) with another easy victory under Kyle Maskiell.
"They were all unknown as stayers but we knew he was the best miler in the race," Blacker said.
"We now know he can run a strong 2100m and he could turn out to be the best stayer I've trained.
"When he matures and puts on another 25kg or so, he could win the Hobart and Launceston Cups next season."
Blacker's more immediate focus is the Tasmanian Derby at Elwick on February 5.
"I did say after he won the Tasmanian Guineas that we might have a go at this year's Launceston Cup but I could have been a bit excited," the trainer said.
"We'll concentrate on the Derby first, if he pulls up well, then take it from there."
Swoop Dog advances his record to three wins and a second from five starts with earnings in excess of $155,000.
The bay gelding races for his breeder Armidale Stud and PE McMullen after being passed in short of his $40,000 reserve at the 2019 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.
Swoop Dog is the best of two winners from as many to race out of the very accomplished Black Hawk (GB) mare Swooper, a Listed winner of 12 races and over $565,000.
Purchased at the 2014 Inglis Great Southern Bloodstock Sale for $24,000, Swooper has a yearling filly and a filly foal by Alpine Eagle but was not covered last spring.
