Reliable Space Time clocks a further win
TOLGA’S ever-reliable Space Time edged closer to $200,000 in career earnings with victory number 12 of his career at Townsville on Wednesday.
The Janel Ryan-trained gelding has just been a wonder for the Tablelands stable, winning on eight occasions at Cluden Park from just 20 starts.
With the track favouring the leaders on Wednesday afternoon, top fly-in rider Chris Whiteley took the initiative and changed Space Time’s usual racing pattern to send him to the head of the field and the seven-year-old could not be run down, scoring by three lengths.
The dominant victory in the $19,000 Open Handicap (1200m) was Space Time’s first effort back in north Queensland after running in the Magic Millions Country Cup on the Gold Coast last year.
“The track was favouring frontrunners and Chris made that decision, I was really impressed,” Ryan said. “It was a good gallop. He came back no problems at all from the Gold Coast and I think this is his favourite track.”
On the Gold Coast late last year, Space Time just got the bob of the head down to finish ahead of stablemate Polar Blast, both just under three lengths behind the winner Clockwise. Space Time finished sixth with Polar Blast one back.
Whiteley collected a winning double at Townsville on Saturday, with Space Time’s win coupled with Walk The
Talk for Mackay trainer Trinity Bannon.
“He has a bit of class on his side in this company and he just showed it,” Whiteley said of Space Time.
“His last start at the Gold Coast was very good, they are smart horses and he was only beaten by two lengths.
“He deserved to win here.” Space Time has now collected $187,670 across his career from almost 50 starts.
The Ryan stable will be hoping their winning ways continue this Saturday at Innisfail’s Pease Park with Lushan in the Benchmark 69 Handicap (1000m).
Ryan stable rider Rachel Shred makes her return to local riding this Saturday as well and will be on board Lushan.
Shred, who claims 1.5kg at non-TAB meetings, has not raced since early November after a fall at Cooktown.
Shred is booked for three rides at Innisfail, with all having strong claims.
Innisfail Turf Club’s track was yesterday afternoon rated a Firm 2.
HE CAME BACK NO PROBLEMS AT ALL FROM THE GOLD COAST AND I THINK THIS IS HIS FAVOURITE TRACK. TRAINER JANEL RYAN