Soprano saves best to last
GEEGEES Soprano delivered his best effort this season to score a last-stride win in the $25,000 Great Northern Golden Mile over 1650 metres at Spreyton yesterday.
The Stuart Gandy-trained seven-year-old settled last in the small field of six with Georgie Catania aboard and he was still at the rear turning for home. When the leader Geegees Baritone ($5) kicked clear at the top of the straight he looked set to win but when Catania guided her charge through a narrow gap to challenge, Geegees Soprano ($11) powered home to grab victory in the last stride.
“This horse is amazing because he can turn it on like he did today or he can be very dis- appointing,” Gandy said. “I am thrilled for Georgie because she is such a hard worker.”
Geegees Soprano scored by a short-half head from his full brother Geegees Baritone, with the favourite Brilliant Jet ($2.20) a close-up third.
WILLBY RULES kept his unbeaten record over 1350m at Spreyton intact with a game win in a benchmark 72 handicap.
Carrying top weight of 60kg, the Nigel Schuuring-trained gelding produced a powerful finish to overhaul the leaders in the straight and score by a length from Tammany Hall and Spirit of Nia.
Schuuring confirmed that Willby Rules would be aimed at the Devonport Cup after competing in the Sheffield Cup over 1650m at Spreyton on Boxing Day.
“When he came back from Melbourne he had two weeks off but he copped a virus so he went into his first run back in the state in Launceston with only one gallop so he definitely needed that hit-out,” Schuuring said.
“The Sheffield Cup is an ideal step up for him and if he wins he gets ballot-free entry into the Devonport Cup, which has been our main goal this preparation.”
UNDERRATED gelding Gasnier is likely to head to the next feature three-year-old race on the calendar following his impressive win in a class one handicap over 1000m.
Gasnier had been competitive in two previous outings against strong opposition this preparation but back on his home track and courtesy of a gem of a ride from Anthony Darmanin the gelding weaved his way through the field from an awkward position, then turning for home to win comfortably.
“This horse is probably going to be better when he gets over 1400m and even 1600m, so to win today over the short trip was very good,” Darmanin said. The Adam Trinder-trained gelding is likely to have his next start in the $25,000 3YO Trophy in Launceston on Wednesday week.