Thirsty Mach took full advantage of a favourable barrier to lead throughout and record a comfortable win in the $30,000 Maxfield Drilling Raider Stakes at Devonport last night.
The Rohan Hillier trained and driven four year old crossed OGrady (Christian Salter) in the first 80 metres then maintained a strong tempo before finishing off the 2665 metres in 57.7 seconds to equal the track record mile rate of 2:01.5 set by Vinokourov in the same race in 2007.
Leading into the final all interest was focused on the barrier draw. Thirsty Mach and Outback Mach won the two heats of the Tasbred series at Launceston on 1 May and when Thirsty Mach drew barrier two and Outback Mach ended up in barrier three on the second line, Thirsty Mach was installed a short priced favourite and closed at $1.90.
Rohan Hadley (Outback Mach) moved to the death seat outside Thirsty Mach with 1800 metres to go but could not sustain the pressure in what was a fast last half for the Devonport circuit. Ogrady trailed though on the fence for second, as did Enchanted Heart (Grant Hodges) for third with Outback Mach fourth.
Thirsty Mach has displayed above average ability throughout his career.
As a two year old he won both starts and established a Launceston age record when rating 1:58.6 for 1680 metres winning the $12,000 Golden Slipper.
Thirsty Mach didn’t race for another 10 months and in 12 starts at three years of age won twice but finished second three times to the emerging star Gedlee and on another five occasions was beaten by Gedlee, Ogrady or Jay Bardon.
Another seven month spell led into his four year old year season which started in February.
Including the Raider Stakes win Thirsty Mach has won five and placed second once from seven starts this season for a career record of 21 starts for nine wins, six placings and $67,530 in stakes and track records at Launceston and Devonport (equal).
Hillier was pleased with the win and acknowledged the importance of the barrier draw.
“It’s always nice to win a race like the Maxfield Drilling Raider Stakes and the barrier draw was a big advantage,” said Hillier.
He also detailed an ongoing management issue with Thirsty Mach.
“After his record breaking two year old win in the Golden Slipper he broke a pedal bone and, down the track, that has resulted in more pressure on his near side fetlock.”
“In recent months we have completed a new training track on the property at Beauty Point and the new surface is more forgiving resulting in Thirsty Mach achieving peak fitness,” he said.
Hillier has big plans for the gelding in the next few months.
“He is a C5 horses now and I will keep racing him in Tasmania but if he wins a few more we may head to Menangle (NSW) and chase some of the big money races resulting from the sale of Harold Park,” Hillier said.