30 /12/2007
The
highlight of a good week for the stable was Mighty Ronnie’s
great triumph in the Country Challenge Final at Ascot on Saturday. Qualifiers
from all the nine heats from racetracks around WA lined up for this prestigious
race, over 1500 metres. Kingston Classic hopeful Lambton Castle was odds
on favourite, and most pundits predicted that the rest of the field were
running for 2nd place! The pace was on from the beginning of the race,
and Jason Whiting had Mighty Ronnie beautifully positioned,
just behind the leaders. As the field entered the straight the favourite
went to the front, and looked the winner, but then Ronnie
came with a powerful burst to challenge in the last 100 metres. The horses
went neck and neck to the line and, under a strong ride from Jason, Mighty
Ronnie grabbed the victory by a short half head.
This was a fantastic win for a comparatively inexperienced horse, and a particularly special triumph for Peter and owner Rocky Dagostino, who have raced horses together for many years. Tributes to the ever-popular Rocky were paid by both Darren McAullay and Wes Cameron – along with one or two stories! It was also great to see Rocky lead in his winner, accompanied by his son, who made a gracious speech when accepting the trophy on his father’s behalf.
… AND LEXICON GOLD MAKES IT A DOUBLE!
Earlier in the afternoon Lexicon Gold was a warm favourite for the Go For 2&5 Handicap over 1400 metres, and he didn’t disappoint his backers. This race was run at a cracking pace, set by the outsider Dragon Whiz. On the home turn the leader shot clear, and all of a sudden Lexicon Gold had 5 lengths to find but, as jockey Jason Whiting said afterwards, “Toby is a very genuine horse” and, when asked for his effort, he sprinted up to Dragon Whiz to win, going away, by a long neck. The time of the race was very fast, and Toby’s finishing burst augurs well for the future.
DEBUTANT
MARUNOUCHI SCORES
AT BUNBURY
On Wednesday the stable was well represented at Bunbury’s Boxing Day meeting, and in the Healthway Daily Double Maiden over 1100 metres the well bred Marunouchi made his racecourse debut. He had drawn badly, but Jason Whiting was full of confidence, and jumped Marunouchi straight into the lead. The horse settled well in front, and just kept going at a strong pace. In the last 100 metres, not surprisingly, he started to tire, and Delta Bay launched a threatening challenge, but Marunouchi had enough in hand to gain a well deserved first up win. His enthusiastic owners were on course to welcome him home (see picture) and are no doubt already dreaming of further success with this promising sort. The horse is related on the dam’s side to the family of Scopaciri and a number of Peter’s home breds.
There were a number of other promising runs by the stable’s horses during the afternoon, notably Wye River and Miss Deburgh, who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively behind Urlay Nook in the Eat More Veg Maiden over 1400 metres.
The
second winner for the stable came in the Check The Spec Handicap over
1000 metres, when Zoomtime took on some talented sprinters.
The favourite Danny Beau and the speedy Reassess set a blistering gallop
from the barriers, and Shaun McGruddy was able to relax Zoomtime
and settle him perfectly in 3rd position. As the leaders’ exertions
began to tell in the home straight, Zoomtime was asked
for his effort, and he moved smoothly into the lead to win comfortably.
This was Zoomtime’s second win in only three starts
this prep, and it was great that managing owner Louvre Sumich was on course
to lead in his winner.
Family
favourite Scopaciri delighted everyone with terrific win
in the Smirnoff Handicap over 1200 metres on Ascot’s opening day.
Once again Max was unfancied for the race, as the short price favourite
Reflective Star was all the rage. As the field jumped William Pike fired
Scopaciri out of the barriers and managed to settle him
behind the pacemaker Dante’s Volonte. William patiently waited until
well into the straight before making his move, but Reflective Star moved
quickly to cover. For a stride or two it looked as though Max would be overtaken,
but under a copybook hands and heels ride, William got a renewed effort
from Scopaciri and he held off the favourite to win by
a short neck. This was a great victory by both horse and rider, and of course
for Peter by bringing Max back to top form.
As
is customary in these country cups, a very competitive field went to
post. Magic Aces jumped smartly from the barrier, and was beautifully
positioned just off the two pacemakers by jockey Shaun McGruddy. As
the field swung into the straight, Shaun asked the horse to quicken,
and Magic Aces responded in great style. Despite tiring
in the closing stages, he held on for a fine victory from Bopping The
Blues.
Trisar
was badly drawn in the Healthy Food Fast Handicap Class 2 over 1100
metres. As the gates opened, he didn't come away in his customary fast
fashion, but under the urgings of jockey Paul King he soon found the
front. Paul rated the horse superbly, and on entering the straight,
made a decisive break. Trisar held on well for a deserved
win. The horse loves short sprints, and will be looking for a similar
event in the near future.
After
a frustrating run of 2nds , both at the Provincials and in Perth, it was
great to have a winner again at Bunbury last Wednesday. The day had started
well with Lexicon Gold and Northern Express
running 2nd and 3rd in their respective Maidens. It was good to see Northern
Express running again after a long break through injury, and
we hope he’ll be a winner very soon.
On
Thursday the stable had one of its rare runners at Mount Barker in the
Right Wing Maiden, over 1100 metres. Accountability,
owned by members of the West Coast Eagles’ coaching staff, was ignored
by punters, despite a promising first run at Bunbury. As the race unfolded,
Accountability was positioned well forward by jockey
Link Robertson. After straightening the horse was asked to accelerate
and gained a definite advantage, which he held to the line. This was a
good effort by the aptly-named Accountability who is
gaining valuable experience this prep. The horse, seen here relaxing back
at home after the race, should give his high profile owners plenty of
fun in the future. 
In
the next race on the card, the Healthy Living Handicap Class 1 over 1600
metres, Mighty Ronnie faced a large field of potential
stayers. As the race developed, it was obvious that the result only concerned
two horses - the favourite Bello Plati and Mighty Ronnie,
but once Peter Hall asked Ronnie for his effort 200 metres from home,
there was only one winner, as he surged away to win by an easy 3 lengths.
Owner Rocco Dagostino, seen in the picture, is obviously excited by this
promising young stayer, who is only in his first preparation. These victories
helped cheer up an otherwise sad week for the Giadresco family, after
the loss of Peter's beloved mother Maria last weekend. 
The
first winner was Rich Musketeer in the opening maiden
of the day over 1200 metres. This was a great performance by the debutant,
who battled on bravely under a good ride by Jason Whiting, to win by
the narrowest margin. For such an inexperienced horse this was a perfect
start to his racing career, and promises well for the future. Part owner
John Summers, seen here with lovely daughter Holly awaiting the return
of the horse to the winner’s enclosure, was naturally delighted,
as was Peter who bred the horse.
In the third race of the day, the Impressive Steel Maiden over 1200
metres, Hadabeclorka went off a warm favourite. His
backers never had an anxious moment as, patiently ridden by William
Pike, the horse easily picked up the leaders in the last 200 metres
to win a shade cosily. Proud owner Bevan Jilley is pictured here awaiting
the return of his Hurricane Sky 5YO after his win.