Fire Rains On Flirtini Parade
1 September, 2018
Thoroughbred
Talented colt Fire And Rain has upstaged short price favourite Flirtini to take out the D’orsogna Plate (1200m) at Belmont Park this afternoon.
Previously a winner at three of six starts, Fire And Rain received a little bit of support late in betting and didn’t let his supporters down.
Jockey William Pike wasted no time looking for the front with Flirtini, while Pablo’s Poem also went forward looking for the lead.
When the pair eventually found the front, it allowed jockey Craig Staples to give Fire And Rain the perfect run behind the leaders.
It took until the last 150m for Fire And Rain to find top gear and get past the two leaders, but he was able to put them away in impressive fashion to win by three-quarters of a length.
Pablo’s Poem was able to get the better of Flirtni for second spot, while Classic Pro, a winner at Belmont last week, finished fourth.
It was a good result for Staples given he is the president of the WA Jockeys Association and wore the National Jockey Celebration Day colours to victory.
Trainer Paul Jordan said he had confidence in the three-year-old’s ability to win today, which stemmed back to his run on July 7 when he was second to Essential Spice.
“If anyone had looked at the times from the other day, the time of him and Pearce’s horse (Essential Spice), they ran an unbelievable time,” he said.
“Because Flirtini had drawn wide and we had drawn a barrier, I thought all we have to do is to kick out and hold a position.”
Jordan said he would monitor Fire And Rain over the coming days before deciding on what path to take for the rest of his campaign.
The win of Fire And Rain was made all the more meritorious, given he returned lame in his near fore leg.
Meanwhile, Fiona Bell was successful taking out the Carbine Club of WA-Apprentices’ Cup (2200m) aboard the Michael Lane-trained Beg To Differ.
“We all want to win this race,” she said.
“It’s nice to hang your hat on.”
Tim Walker