Friday Fallout September 14
15 September, 2018
Harness
It was a bittersweet evening for the Greg and Skye Bond stable at Gloucester Park last night, with promising four-year-old Fizzing scoring a nice victory, a near miss in the feature event of the evening and the heartbreaking loss of one of their rising stars.
Detroit Lily, who finished second in the WA Oaks in May, was leading in the Racing Assist Mares Pace (1730m), but collapsed in the home straight as the field approached the bell.
The four-year-old couldn’t be saved by veterinarians.
Stewards declared the event a no race with Detroit Lily collapsing in the home straight.
Fizzing’s win in the proceeding race softened the blow for the Bond stable, with reinsman Ryan Warwick timing his run to perfection as the four-year-old defeated Bettor Finish by a half-head.
Earlier in the night, the Bond stable had Vampiro and Rock Diamonds finish second and third respectively in the Spring Pace.
The most enthralling race of the night was the Book Your Next Event At Gloucester Park Pace (2536m), as Motu Premier and Speed Man went head to head for much of the trip.
Motu Premier was a notable drifter to $2.40 late in betting, as Speed Man firmed into $1.95 favouritism.
Speed Man, who was looking to make it three wins in a row, was able to find the lead from barrier three for Gary Hall Jnr, while Chris Lewis sent Motu Premier to the breeze outside Speed Man on the back straight the first time.
Coming into the home straight, Speed Man had a narrow advantage on Motu Premier, but the tough six-year-old wore down Speed Man and took the lead in the last few strides to win by a half-head.
Two of the shortest price favourites on the evening were the Kat Warwick-trained Rock Me Over and the Annie Belton-trained Mister Versace.
Both horses were able to find the front from barrier one and went on to record comfortable victories.
Tim Walker
Image: Scott Hamilton