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Unreal Speed has blown away a quality heat of the Fanta Bale Stayers to become the fastest qualifier, setting the standard with a slick 42.49 seconds over the 730 metre distance.

In an ‘unreal’ training performance from trainer Robert Britton, Unreal Speed is just two starts into his return to racing following eight months on the sidelines due to a hairline fracture in his fibular as well as a tear to the Achillies Tendon.

He joins a strong list of stayers who’ll battle it out in Saturday nights Group 1 race. The Meadows held three heats, which saw the winners, second place getters and two fastest thirds’ make it through to the $100,000 to-the-winner feature.

The Group 1 Fanta Bale Stayers field is made up of Ethanol Water, Shake and Bake, Flying Envy, Groovebird, Irish Millie, Unreal Speed, Late Night News and Pass Mark. Reserves are Infra Rock and Full Of Regrets. The box draw held on Monday played our as follows:

 

In reviewing the heats Ethanol Water came from nowhere to win the opening heat of the Fanta Bale Stayers, running down Shake And Bake and Flying Envy. Ethanol Water’s heat win made it victory 26 in her 63-start career, winning her way through to her ninth Group race.

 

Groovebird led all the way in her Fanta Bale Stayers heat, lowing her personal best time to 42.62 seconds. Handler Krystiana Dubos (pictured above) made mention to the Groovebird’s love for box two, having won on seven occasions from the draw. The final will be run at The Meadows on Saturday February 22nd. It’ll be one of a collection of three UNMISSABLE Group 1 Races held on the night, the last week of the 2025 Australian Cup Carnival.

Watch the heats:

Article thanks to Molly Haines, GRV. Photo Credits Jason McKeown and Cline Anderson