Shot of Irish looks to try his luck interstate

AN interstate trip beckons for lightly raced three-year-old gelding Shot of Irish after his impressive win on a heavy track in Hobart on Sunday.

Shot of Irish went into Sunday’s assignment a winner at his only previous start as a late two-year-old.

He won on debut in heavy going, which convinced punters to rally for the gelded son of Canford Cliffs, starting at the prohibitive price of $1.40.

But the Scott Bruntontrained gelding didn’t let his backers down, scoring by more than two lengths from Gee Gee Cats with Copperhead Road a distant third.

“We’ve always been confident that this horse would eventually find his way to Melbourne so that’s where he’ll be heading after his next start here in Hobart in a fortnight,” Brunton said.

“We’ve had to manage his progress because he has a couple of issues, but he possesses plenty of natural ability.

“I’ve got a program mapped out for him so hopefully he gets through his next start in top order that will allow him the chance to be tested interstate.”

Shot of Irish was ridden by Siggy Carr, who had the gelding alongside Gee Gee Cats for most of the journey to the home turn. When she called on the gelding for the big effort he drew clear and hit the line with something in reserve.

It was a big day for Brunton, who saddled up four winners on the eight-event card.

Banca Bet ($4.40) made it three wins in succession when she careered away from her rivals in a 3YO handicap over 1100m despite tailing off in the early part of the race where it appeared she was floundering in the heavy conditions.

But rider Bulent Muhcu managed to get her into a rhythm and while the leaders headed to the outside fence to find the better going in the home straight, Muhcu persisted with the middle of the track and the filly proved too strong over the concluding stages.

Bayview Emperor was a good result for his connections, who backed the gelding in from $16 to $8 before he scored impressively in a benchmark 84 handicap over 1400m, also with Muhcu aboard.

Lightly raced four-year-old mare Flikpix made up Brunton’s quartet and delivered a double for owner Mandy Gunn, who also bred and owns Banca Bet.