The rising superstar has quickly become one of the sport’s most exciting drawcards and, while he didn’t win his heat, his performance was enough to remind everyone exactly why he’s the greyhound to watch.
Dramatical finished second behind emerging talent Dewana Star, bringing to an end a six-race winning streak that included victories in the Warragul Cup and the prestigious Group One Australian Cup at The Meadows.
With 19 starts to his name, Dramatical has already built an impressive résumé, winning 12 races and banking more than $370,000 in prizemoney.
Trainer Jason Thompson said the heat run was all about getting the job done.
“He trialled 24.68 there, so we know he can run quick and that he can win any race he is in,” Thompson said.
“But like every dog in this final, he needs luck. There’s no doubting his ability.
“He didn’t need to win the heat – he just needed to qualify, and he did that.”
Dramatical will jump from box three in Saturday night’s final – the same draw he had in his heat.
Canya Excite Me, trained by Anthony Azzopardi, stamped herself as a serious contender after recording the fastest qualifying time of 24.83 seconds, narrowly missing the track’s first sectional record in a near-perfect display.
The final shapes as one of the most even in recent years, with punters and fans struggling to split Dramatical, Dewana Star, Gold Force and Ballarat Cup winner Off The Chart, who has shown brilliant early speed throughout his career.
Beyond the track, Shepparton Cup night remains a highlight on the local calendar.
Gates open at 5.30pm, with food trucks, kids’ entertainment and live music from DJ Chloe Wilson in the Club 650 Party Zone running through until midnight.
The Shepparton Cup will be run as race 9 on the card.
