Rojo Diamond Sets Ivory Memorial Classic Pace

CELEBRATED sprinter Rojo Diamond is a leading contender in the upcoming Reg & Aileen Ivory Memorial Classic Final (461m) in Hobart next week.

Rojo Diamond, trained by Robin Grubb and sired by Fabregas, affirmed his position as the favourite for the $18,920 Tasbred series with a determined heat win over Volume Up on Tuesday, clocking 25.64 seconds and marking his 42nd career victory for the Gold Nugget Syndicate.

As the prestigious series draws near, the seasoned chaser, boasting an impressive 25.58 time at Hobart and securing box one for the upcoming finale which offers a $10,100 prize for the victor, stands out as the favourite.

Rojo Diamond is set to clinch a milestone 30th career victory at Hobart, aiming to outdo last year's result by taking the feature win, having placed second to Nail ‘Em Fencer in the previous final.

Securing the second of two heats, the Jillian Stamford-trained Alien Force triumphed, fending off competitors Roxy Rocker and Harden Up Johnny with a time of 25.88 seconds from box five.

The son of Whiskey Riot and Leica Prayer achieved his 10th win and will start from box 4 in the final, competing against a remarkable array of local contenders.

Jillian plans to implement a two-pronged strategy in the final, with the litter mate Whiskey Barrel also competing, having secured a fourth-place finish behind Rojo Diamond.

The Stamford kennel, based in Westbury, is aiming to clinch their second victory in the Reg & Aileen Ivory Memorial Classic after 23 years, their first win being with Power Of Three in 2001.

Reg and Aileen Ivory, who were inducted into the Tasmanian Greyhound Hall of Fame in 2007, are celebrated personalities in the greyhound racing industry from the north-west region, recognized for breeding and racing their dogs for more than 50 years.

Now in its 27th year, this event celebrates the enduring legacy of Reg and Aileen's contributions to the sport.

Reg & Aileen Ivory Memorial Classic Final box draw

1. Rojo Diamond
2. Supreme Leader
3. Thor Danger
4. Alien Force
5. Volume Up
6. Harden Up Johnny
7. Rocky Rocker
8. Whiskey Barrel
9. Legendary Danger (1st Res)
10. Browsing About (2nd Res)