Forth blazes a trail to spring’s Newmarket
ANY doubts about Blaze Forth being a genuine Newmarket Handicap contender were dispelled in Launceston on Wednesday night when the John Blackertrained gelding made it successive wins in open company.
Blaze Forth ($2.30 fav) won impressively in his first attempt at an open-class race two weeks earlier, but this latest effort was even more impressive.
Blaze Forth settled midfield while Apriano, who had been heavily backed to start at $4.60, made play in front carrying the light weight of only 52kg, courtesy of a 2kg claim for apprentice Teagan Voorham.
But when rider Brendon McCoull called on Blaze Forth for the supreme effort he unleashed a powerful sprint that allowed the son of Court Command to power past the leader and go on to score by the best part of two lengths.
“When there is a good pace on this horse is exceptional over the 1200m and tonight he again had things go his way,” Blacker said.
“I thought after he won last start that he would make a good Newmarket horse but I’m absolutely positive he will after this win.
“He’ll go to the paddock full of confidence and we will bring him back to prepare for the Newmarket in the late spring.” THE Stuart Gandy-trained Gee Gee Spitfire ended a run of minor placings when he scored an impressive win on Wednesday night in a benchmark 58 handicap over 1200m.
With Daniel Ganderton aboard, Gee Gee Spitfire unleashed a powerful sprint in the home straight to collar Owens, who was being hailed the winner when he forged clear 200m out.
Gee Gee Spitfire hadn’t won a race since January last year, but this time in he has been ultra consistent, notching six minor placings and finishing no further back that fourth in his previous nine outings.