Incredibly, it’s been 18 years since a Launceston-trained greyhound has won the Launceston Cup.

Hall Of Famer Top Shiraz, for breeder-trainer Pat McClenaghan, was the last local to taste success, triumphant in 2001 at the old White City track.

St Leonards-based Grubb has a fantastic chance of rewriting the record books with Hello Rhonda, the daughter of Fernando Bale and Sing The Song blitzing her way into the $40,000 to-the-winner feature with sizzling 29.78 heat success last Monday.

The fastest of the seven qualifiers, Hello Rhonda jumped smartly from box 3 and, once she took the lead out of the straight, the white and brindle bitch held all the aces before staving off a late charge from Queenslander Brandi Alexander to score by a neck.

It was Hello Rhonda’s ninth win in 22 starts.

“She keeps surprising us,” said a proud Grubb.

“I didn’t think Hello Rhonda would ever take to Launceston though her runs in the Rising Stars last month showed she had the ability around the circuit and she’s just kept improving.

“I’ve always thought Hello Rhonda would make a name for herself. Early in her career, her litter-mates were racing against each other in the puppy classic races and setting the mark. Now she’s won two features and is showing a lot of maturity.”

Wild weather conditions played a factor in the seven heats.

Multiple cup-winning trainer Ted Medhurst has qualified Victorian-owned sprinter Despacito. The son of Black Magic Opal pushed through at the first turn to lead all-the-way and beat Muppet in 29.98.

Hobart Thousand finalist Be Like Bill, for trainer Blake Pursell, was exceptional off the wide draw of box 6 to carve out strong sectionals, leading throughout to score by 3-½ lengths in a slick 29.85.

The Grubb family has tasted success in the Launceston Cup as owner/breeders in partnership with the late Robert Sutcliffe when veteran chaser Fisherman claimed the title in 2011.

“Dad and mum had a few finalists over the years before I had my first cup runner with Sing The Song,” Grubb said.

“Box 1 is a big advantage for Hello Rhonda – it gives her every hope.”

3.30 Hello Rhonda

3.80 Be Like Bill

6.00 Buckle Up Rose

6.00 Headspace

6.50 Despacito

7.00 Brandi Alexander

10.00 Corykodi

23.00 Two Bills