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For the second week in a row (thanks Melbourne) it was a wet and cold night at The Meadows, however it wasn’t enough to prevent two exceptional performances in the Group 1 Maturity Classic (525m) and Group 3 Fireball (730m).

Follow The Band joined one of the sport’s best honour rolls with a faultless display in the Maturity. He jumped as favourite from box 1 and gave punters zero cause for concern.

While we knew Follow The Band was good, not many would’ve expected the numbers he put on the semaphore board in wet and cold conditions (4.98 early, 17.58 to the back and 29.73 overall). He’s just the fourth greyhound to break 5 seconds to the first split this year (with Reindo, Tommy Tequila and Mr. Fahrenheit) and the fastest first split in a Maturity since the great Fernando Bale in 2015. Wow wee!

“We’re really pleased. Especially for Tommy Sinnott, he’s been a loyal supporter of the kennel,” said handler Ron Rudd post-race on behalf of Team Gibbons.

WATCH: Follow The Band (1) makes no mistakes

The Fireball was hit by the scratching of Palawa King (click here for details) on Friday night but it allowed a Palawa King-eque performance from one of Australia’s most promising stayers in Ella’s Babe. She naturally drifted back in the early part of the race and assessed the task ahead. With early leader Stomping expected to drift back and Drill Sergeant looking for the finish line, the race presented to Ella’s Babe who was charging. She took an outside lane and swooped past the leaders to win by a length in 43 seconds flat.

“We’re really looking forward to our staying era with her. She’s young but handling herself really well.” said trainer Brooke Ennis post-race.

There was significant sentimental value attached given her sire (My Bro Fabio) and dam (Ella Enchanted) were both trained by the Ennis’ with great success.

“What makes it more special is that we bred her, reared her and that she’s been with us since the very start.”

Both Ella’s Babe and Follow The Band will be aimed at heats of the Nationals next week at Sandown Park.

WATCH: Ella’s Babe (5) enormous in the Fireball

Also on Saturday, In The Hub produced arguably the most impressive run of his career in what was a ripping Free-For-All. He shook off his natural traits to run down Mepunga Shine and Stormy Day to win very impressively.

In The Hub will also be aimed at next week’s heats of the Nationals.

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ARTICLE COURTSEY OF JASON ADAMS GRV. Photo credits Jason Mckeown