A deluge of rain before the start delayed matters as a field of 14 lined up for the final leg of the 3YO series, the $500 000 Gr1 Guineas – and it again proved to be a very classy affair! My pick was Magnum, who defied a bad draw in the opening legs to finish 2nd and 3rd respectfully and again the draw gods were against him as he drew a horror gate of 12, writes Gareth Pepper.
I went with him as I had promised early in the season – but he had a tough task on his hands!
Debt Collector
The winner of the second leg, Debt Collector, was favourite, but 100 meters after they jumped he looked to be in a world of trouble. He was third last, a long way off and racing on a yielding track.
Fast forward to the final 600m – Infantry had changed tactics and brought the field for home, with Magnum hot on his heels and looking the winner, but all the while Debt Collector was being ridden for luck by Michael Rodd and once a gap appeared, he took off so fast and accelerated like only the good ones do.
Just writing about it the ‘goosies’ return and the way he found the line was that of a future star.
His conditioner Cliff Brown has done a terrific job with him and his remarkable comeback is a story in itself.
To Cliff and his team well done on a great job training this guy and to his pilot Rocking Rodd, welcome back to success at the highest level after a frustrating 11 weeks on the sidelines with a broken foot.
Debt Collector looks to be very special and is a name worth following here in South East Asia.
So the 3yo Series has come and gone, but next week sees the start of the 4yo equivalent – very exciting indeed!
This time last year I was looking back on a top class International week, but as has been covered in depth the international races are no more. Sad indeed!
My highlight this week though is returning after an amazing trip to Australia – what a beautiful country, I had an amazing trip and it really did open my eyes as to what is out there in the world.
It was weird to have to wear a jersey or jacket again but one of the main highlights was the wide variety of food that was affordable and super delicious.
All the weight I have worked so hard at losing, has made a minor re-appearance and the next month is being spent detoxing and eating healthily again.
This weekend’s racing is a bit on the plain side, but next weekend it steps up a few notches again – so there is plenty to look forward to.
Till next time.
