Local breaks 883-day drought
TRAINER Danielle Loos has promised tough stayer Anemoi will have a couple of extra carrots in his feed after breaking an 883-day winless run at Geelong yesterday.
The local galloper was too strong in the closing stages of the $22,000 J.T Dixon BM70 Handicap ( 2200m), returning to the winner’s stall for the first time since August 17, 2016.
Loos said the former Godolphin stayer had been a “pain in the bum” for the stable, but was proud to see the six-year-old notch up his third career win.
“It’s very, very satisfying. He had bone chips after the Bagot (Handicap) last year, so he’s had a bit of time out in the paddock,” said Loos.
“He’s not the nicest horse to have, he’s a pain in the bum, but it’s very rewarding.
“(There will) definitely be some carrots (in his feed).”
Given a gun ride by comeback jockey Dylan Dunn, Anemoi moved into the race into the straight and was too tough in the dying stages to salute by just under a length.
“Just today having that good barrier, I was able to land in a lovely position one off, one back and track the favourite into the race,” Dunn said.
“At the top of the straight I was concerned, I had so much horse underneath me but didn’t have the leaders taking me in far enough.
“Credit to this horse because when I did push the button he really did let down for me.”
Loos said Anemoi was building towards a win after two solid runs from a spell.
“First up was like a trial, then we missed another trial and second-up he was still a bit fat but he ran on well,” Loos said. “I was happy with him for today.”
Loos said she was hopeful Anemoi could run in better races this preparation, but “will take it day by day” with the galloper.
“I think he deserves to go back to town now,” Dunn added.