The Flying Frenchman and His Pipe Dream Ride
29 December, 2016
Thoroughbred
Perth’s favourite racing Frenchman, Matthieu Autier is set to tackle his first Perth Cup aboard Robyne Martin’s, Fathoms of Gold this Saturday.
The six year-old gelding who only cost Martin a paltry $500 had punters on the edge of their seats with a gutsy front-running performance in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) last start.
In what was deemed as the most impressive losing ride of the year, Autier held a sixteen length lead at the 600m mark, looking like he had it in the bag at 100-1 odds.
The ride blew up on social media.
“I was pretty impressed with Twitter after the race. I think nobody expected me to do that, I’m really happy that people gave back,” Autier told TABradio’s The Sports Daily on Wednesday.
Autier and Fathoms of Gold will again face up against Perfect Reflection, top weight in the Perth Cup, who chased them down for a narrow victory two weeks ago.
“I’m really happy to be beaten by Perfect Reflection. I would carry many more kilos in the Perth Cup if I was to beat her,” said Autier.
“I’m still carrying 54 this Saturday and this will make a big difference between me and her.”
The Perth Cup is turning into a real narrative for distance racing. An open field of starters has created a difficult race to pick.
Fathoms of Gold is currently sitting at $16 on the TABtouch market and Autier is quietly confident in his horse’s ability.
“I will just listen to my horse, he’s always slow out of the gates. If I can go in front I will probably lead but then it’s up to Fathom.
“He’s just an impressive horse, he pulled up so good after the race… He improves each run and I’m looking forward to the race.” said Autier.
The talented Frenchman will be aiming to break this week’s streak of seconds and boot home winner number seventeen for the season, hopefully providing another show stopping ride aboard Fathoms of Gold in the process.
Rebecca Shanks
To watch the final stages of Fathoms of Gold’s Ted Van Heemst Stakes second place and Perfect Reflection’s post race interview click this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huzJEIMIJKg