MINTAKA LAD overcame a tricky draw and a three-wide run at Doomben on Saturday to bring up our second win of the season from just five runners.
The 5YO had finished second over the track and trip at his last start, and promptly went one better in the Class 3 Plate (1200m) under a cool ride by Michael Rodd.
It was Rodd’s first steer on the son of Deep Field and the experienced hoop revealed he had benefited from watching the replays of his previous runs.
Rodd took his medicine and kept MINTAKA LAD in a lovely rhythm, allowing MINTAKA LAD to conserve just enough energy for the finish. The homebred gelding pulled clear in the closing stages to score by a length and take his career earnings past $100,000.
“I learned a lesson after watching his last start,” said Rodd.
“He just got nutted on the line that day, so even though we were three-deep I just wanted to keep him comfortable. He’s a big strong horse and he’s not a stop-start type, once we got travelling I just wanted to keep him rolling.
“He’s a tough bugger and he gave a really good kick. This is his pet distance and he’s had a few excuses in the past, so his record should probably be even better than it is.”
Many congratulations to his owner-breeder, Vern Trillo.
Comentários