In Brief
- Alpine Thunder survives a protest.
- Dayan Star an impressive fresh winner.
- Freddy blows away punters.
Alpine Thunder ($3) made amends for a narrow loss last week with a narrow win this week in the 1100m Class 5 Hcp in Hobart on Sunday.
But it was a nervous wait for connections after the rider of the second horse, Bine, Erica Byrne Burke, fired in a protest alleging interference in the home straight; the winning margin was a half head.
Alpine Thunder has been a bit of a problem galloper for trainer Stuart Gandy but has always shown he has heaps of ability.
“I think going forward he’s going to be a really nice horse and I’m sure next prep he will make it through to near Open grade,” trainer Stuart Gandy said.
“He’s got a high cruising speed; I think he would be better with a sit; at this point in time, he’s just not there yet; he’s got a very good turn of foot, and he’s in for a fight late.”
Alpine Thunder has raced just six times and has a winning strike rate of 50%.
Despite the narrow loss, Bine ($1.55) is likely to head on with her campaign and run in the Group 3 Mystic Journey Stakes (1200m) on 7 February.
First up win for Dayan Star
Dayan Star ($10) made a winning return to racing, scoring an impressive win in the 1430m Class 3 Hcp, racing clear to win by more than two lengths.
Apprentice jockey Lauryn Bingley had Dayan Star three wide but with cover for most of the trip after being a little slow to jump.
Bingley made her move 450m out and the 6yo quickly rounded up the leaders.
“We had a nice enough run; we had cover for the trip; he travels on the bridle quite strongly; he does switch off, but when you ask for an effort, he gives it,” Bingley said.
Global Awareness ($4.40) had the run of the race and battled on for second, with Gee-Gees Me Boy ($8.50) third.
Freddy causes an upset
7yo Freddy’sajetstar caused a boilover, winning his first race at start 33 in the 1100m Maiden, beating first-starter Mel’s Street Above ($4.50), who had dashed clear upon straightening, Golden Sweet Heart ($11) finished third.
Freddy’sajetstar came with a solid finishing burst, but the race was marred by bad interference in the first 300m, with Royal Murtress and Ellispere being put out of play.
“He went enormous the other day. He was three and four wide the trip; he drew a bit closer today,” trainer John Luttrell said.
Freddy’sajetstar was a drifter in the market, starting at $67 after opening at $26. The runner-up, Mel’s Street Above, shouldn’t be long without a win, and another newcomer, Outbush, a stablemate of the winner, also finished well to win fifth.