It was a busy end to the week for the team as we saddled up runners at numerous venues over the weekend.
Friday seen racing at Geelong where the very late maturing 4yo gelding Late Arrival (pictured) broke his maiden status. He has taken a long time to work out what his job is and still now with numerous trials and two races starts to his name, he is still extremely raw. In the words of Mick Dee post race “he is still a big dummy” but once he learns and puts the racing game altogether he is certainly a nice stayer in the making.
Saturday saw the return to racing at Moonee Valley and Dashing Duchess didn’t disappoint her supporters. A lovely rated track surface and the slight drop back in trip all looked to be positives for Dashing Duchess to notch up her first metropolitan victory. She always travelled strongly on the bridle, she never dropped the bit and gave herself a rest. From the 800m the speed started to increase and from the 600m she was left in front a long way from home. The second horse challenged her but she knuckled down, fought off that horse and in the end was going away from her rivals. Not many horses can sustain a strong gallop like Dashing Duchess did and then round the race off. It was a very tough win by the mare.
Sunday the Coleraine meeting was transferred to Casterton. Jumps racing was the feature of the day but it was Darts Daly and Golden Garden on the flat that were our winners for the afternoon.
It was great to see Darts Daly bounce back to form in easier grade after being disappointing at his past two starts. Everything was in his favour on Sunday, good jockey in Aaron Kuru on board, firmer track conditions and an inside barrier draw which is always advantageous at Casterton. Golden Garden, a new acquisition to the stable didn’t take long to reward his owners by winning at his second start for the team. For a horse who had a few race starts to his name he is surprisingly green. Aaron Kuru rated him perfectly out in front, in the home straight, Golden Garden gave a good kick and went on to win be three lengths.
Congratulations to all our winning connections over the three days.
