Jimmydunn Springs Back To Winners Circle
15 September, 2018
Harness
Talented pacer Runrunjimmydunn has ended a frustrating run of second placings to take out the Listed Spring Pace (2536m) at Gloucester Park last night.
The field for the feature event was decimated by two scratchings, leaving just five runners to face the starter.
By the time the race got underway, the Greg and Skye Bond-trained Vampiro was the $2.50 favourite, while Runrunjimmydunn was the second elect at $3.
The scratching of Devendra meant Tricky Styx started from barrier one and she was able to control the tempo of the race from the front.
Vampiro was forced to sit outside Tricky Styx, while Runrunjimmydunn settled last of the five runners.
There was little change to the order throughout the race, with Runrunjimmydunn’s driver Gary Hall Jnr driving a patient race until the last 400m where he came to the outside.
Despite appearing to be in trouble coming to the turn, the five-year-old gelding stormed over the top of his rivals to win by 2m.
Runrunjimmydunn rated 1.57.8 and ran home in 55.7, with Vampiro and Rock Diamonds filling the minor placings.
Although Runrunjimmydunn looked to have his work cut out coming to the home turn, Hall Jnr said he was never concerned.
“I was happy with where I was,” he said.
“That’s where I planned on being, I had a few arguments with dad (trainer Gary Hall Snr) about it and he ended up hanging up on me when I told him where I was going to drive him.
“This horse’s best asset is his speed and we’ve been driving him a little bit tough because of his draws and the small fields.
“I just went back to plan A with him which was to drive him for sit and kick.”
Hall Jnr said the WA and Fremantle Pacing Cups were on the agenda for the gelding after last night’s win.
“He will have a let up before then,” he said.
“He’s come such a long way in such a short space of time.
“I definitely believe he’s a Cups horse…he will definitely be a dangerous horse three back on the fence.
“We are really happy with where he is at.”
Meanwhile, Hall Jnr confirmed Chicago Bull would line up next week in the Group 2 Navy Cup, as he continues the build up to an east coast campaign.
Tim Walker
Image: Scott Hamilton Media