Missile Ready For Launch
19 May, 2018
Thoroughbred
Missile Launch has once again displayed why he is one of the most exciting horses in Western Australia, with a tenacious win in the Cavalier Handicap (1800m) at Ascot.
The Vaughn Sigley-trained gelding was having his first start at the 1800m trip today, but it proved no obstacle, as he backed up his impressive second-up win from a fortnight ago in great style.
Jockey Patrick Carbery had to settle Missile Launch three wide with cover as One Short and Harry Thomas set the pace.
As the field straightened though, Missile Launch quickly rounded the field up and took the lead.
Elegant Blast, ridden by Lucy Warwick, followed Missile Launch everywhere he went, and had the final shot at the gelding but fell short by a long neck.
After the race, Sigley said the gelding would likely have one more start this campaign, before a possible shot at the Railway Stakes and Kingston Town Classic later this year.
“We’ll see if we give him another run and step him up or put him in the paddock,” he said.
“You always dream for those type of races.
“It’s the big stage, and you’ve got to be very good just to get in the race, let alone win the race.
“It’s a dream of ours, and the horse is doing alright at the moment.”
Meanwhile, five-year-old Galaxy Star and tough three-year-old Forceful have completed a winning treble for owner Bob Peters and trainers Grant and Alana Williams.
After a game second first-up, Galaxy Star was dominant in taking out the Trap For Fools Ascot Horse Of The Year Handicap (1400m), and took her record to six wins from eight starts.
However, it wasn’t as comfortable for Forceful, with jockey William Pike being forced to wait for the gaps to open in the straight, but his patience paid off as the gelding won by a half-head.
Tim Walker