Four In A Row For Battle Torque
11 August, 2018
Thoroughbred
Consistent gelding Battle Torque has recorded his fourth straight win at Belmont this afternoon, taking out the Iron Jack Handicap (1650m).
This was a big step up in class for the six-year-old today, who won at Northam and Pinjarra prior to his last start win at Belmont.
Jockey William Pike, who has ridden Battle Torque now to each of his last five wins, settled the galloper at the rear of the field, as Mr Pago and Astronomite.
Coming to the turn, Pike was able to peel off the back of Battle Torque’s stablemate Touch Of Silver and took over the running 200m from home.
Fontainebleu amd Jazari tried desperately over the concluding stages to reel in the favourite, but it was to no avail.
Luke’s Gold finished fourth, while other fancied runners One Short and Touch Of Silver finished in the second half of the field.
Winning trainer Adam Durrant said Battle Torque was enjoying career best form, and felt he had found his right grade.
“He’s just in a great vein of form,” he said.
“He likes the sticky tracks and probably a few of the other don’t.
“He’s doing everything right.
“This is the right grade for him, and it’s the right time of year.”
Despite the win of Battle Torque, it was a bittersweet result for Durrant, as his other runner Touch Of Silver put in another below par run.
Last season’s leading trainer said it was disappointing the grey hadn’t come on this campaign, after showing plenty of promise over the summer carnival.
Later in the day, Lindsey Smith brought up a winning double for the day as Prize Catch took out the Magic Millions Handicap (1400m).
Despite having the top weight to contend with, Prize Catch displayed a strong turn of foot when jockey Tayla Stone was able to obtain clear running.
After finishing midfield first-up, Prize Catch took plenty of benefit second-up and back in class today to record his seventh win from 26 career starts.
Race favourite Midnight Sky had little luck at the top of the straight as Pike tried to navigate a clear path.
The mare finished a game second, while Greco was third.
In the final event of the day, the ever consistent Atlanta Blue recorded the best win of his career to date.
There was plenty of support late in betting for the gelding, ridden by Lucy Warwick and he didn’t let his supporters down in scoring a half-length win.
Friaresque ran on well to run second, while favourite Abdicator, who was looking for three wins in a row, could only manage a third placing.
Tim Walker