Vincent brilliant in Cup win
‘‘He’s a pig and a cheat – he just doesn’t want to work hard and he’s not genuine.’’ Natalie Rasmussen on Heaven Rocks
Vincent sent a swift reminder of his impressive abilities with a brilliant win in Friday night’s Group 2 $50,000 Franklin Cup at Alexandra Park.
With his main adversary from last season, Ultimate Machete, winning three Group 1 races in the last month, Vincent was at risk of being relegated below his stablemate in the eyes of fans.
But, despite being fresh-up over 2700 metres, and looking quite bulky in condition, he nearly lowered his own national record to win in ultra-impressive fashion for co-trainer Natalie Rasmussen.
‘‘He was really professional tonight. He was definitely a run short – he’s quite a heavy horse and it’s taken a bit of time to get him back to race condition.
‘‘I think he’ll need another run at Cambridge next week and then that should have him bang-on for the Auckland Cup (December 31).’’
Stablemate Heaven Rocks (Tim Williams) was at his heartbreaking best for punters and connections, breaking up when in front at the furlong mark.
Rasmussen believed she would have still had his measure with Vincent, but that didn’t remove the fact that the giant pacer was once again not ‘playing ball’.
‘‘He’s a pig and a cheat – he just doesn’t want to work hard and he’s not genuine.
‘‘He’s always thinking and he won’t ever be a topliner while he’s like that.
‘‘Compare him to a horse like Titan Banner, who did a lot of work tonight and still run third.
‘‘He never gives in and tries so hard; it was a very good run from him tonight.’’
A G’s White Socks (Ricky May) showed he will be a factor in the Auckland Cup by coming home well for second, the splits off the front (55.6/27.7) showing just what a big effort that was.
Jack’s Legend (Zachary Butcher) was the disappointment of the race, managing only fifth from the trail after leading early and handing up to Heaven Rocks at the mile mark.
● Temporale added another big race to his resume by taking out the $50,000 Group 2 Lyell Creek Stakes.
In the hands of his trainer Tony Herlihy, Temporale was given a perfect run in the one-one for most of the race and had too much speed in the run to the line.
He narrowly defied a strong late burst from star trotter Speeding Spur, who was having his first start back from an injury layoff.
Luck is everything and Herlihy said he was happy to get the cushy trip and capitalise late in the piece.
Speeding Spur was the run of the race, coming from well back in the field to get within half-a-head, the final half-mile run in 57.7 off the front.
Driver Joshua Dickie was thrilled the performance and said his horse probably would have won had things panned out better a bit earlier.
● Chase Auckland remained unbeaten with an authoritative performance to win the Group 2
$50,000 Alabar Classic for threeyear-olds.
In the hands of co-trainer Natalie Rasmussen, Chase Auckland led all the way and clung on by half-a-head in a supersonic
2.36.4.
He was not given any peace in front by second favourite King Of Swing (David Butcher), but rose to the occasion and saw off that challenge.
Stablemate All U Need Is Faith mounted a late challenge up the markers but just missed scoring an upset win.
They headed home an All Stars Stable first five with Spankem, The Devils Own and Ashley Locaz the next horses home.