Hot conditions greeted patrons at the Esperance Bay Turf Club on Boxing Day. It was great to see a third dividend in all races and the Club would be tickled pink with the large turnout.
The Pink Lake Butcher’s Handicap kicked things off and former leading rider Rod Kirkup trained the first winner. Moss Street was ridden forward by Damian Miller and after reeling in the runaway Innocent Bystander he was able to hold off a late challenge from favourite Donargy. Innocent Bystander is prepared by Debbie Warnes and after zooming to a six length lead in the middle stages battled on courageously to hold a placing. She will strip a lot fitter second up and will take serious running down.
Race Two was the Rob Dutton Spreading Handicap and apprentice Andrew Castle steered home Just Sue to defeat pace maker Miss Alonso. Miss Alonso kicked away at the top of the straight but Just Sue was chiming in quickly and maintained her superior momentum all the way to the post. The margin was a neck and two lengths away third was Lady Berthe. Twice The Speed was a half head away in fourth.
The third was a Maiden sponsored by the Bay Automotive Group. The Key Cutter, who had started at the first two meetings for two thirds settled in a prominent spot before booting clear at the 200m mark and winning by half a length. Outside Influence was gallant in defeat and Royal Wing caught the eye with a fast finishing third.
The Dr. Graham Jacobs MLA Handicap was run over 1200m and at a sizzling tempo. Tashi Delek burst out of the gates and set a brisk speed but wilted late to finish toward the rear. San Supremo came with a well timed run to win by over a length for 3kg claiming apprentice Kevin Bohorun. It was Bohorun’s first visit to the EBTC and it’s one he will never forget. Mr Magnificent finished second and made it five minor placings on the trot. Racoff was granted third position narrowly ahead of the winner’s stablemate Damon’s Halo.
The feature was the Esperance Freight Lines Sprint (1300m) and Burnzy, a newcomer to the Esperance track reigned supreme for Helen Harding. He began swiftly and took the lead at the 300m mark before holding off the fast finish of Expedition. King Of The Stalls looked ominous at the 450m mark but could only manage a third. He’s Smokin’ ran an improved fourth and looks to be working back into form.
The Menace and Time Star were two important scratchings from the Bay Automotive Group Handicap and the field size was reduced to eight. Ron’s Gem assumed the leading role shortly after the start for Nicole Hopwood and proceeded to make ‘every post a winner’, scoring by over a length in 1.18.07. Marvon Sher battled on well for second ahead of the well commissioned Stormy Quest. Both Brendan Corver and Helen Harding ended the afternoon with training doubles along with senior rider Damian Miller. The next meeting scheduled is this Saturday (January 2) with the first event set down for approximately 2pm.
Horses to follow ; Donargy, Miss Alonso, Royal Wing, Racoff, He’s Smokin’ and Ron’s Gem.
- Ryan Levitzke
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