More Cup Wins Ahead For Media Baron
16 April, 2019
Thoroughbred
Trainer David Harrison has won a host of Perth’s major races, but admitted winning his home town Geraldton Cup (2100m) with Media Baron on Sunday gave him special satisfaction.
“It was a great thrill,” Harrison told the Races WA.
“It’s great to come back and see all my old owners and everything.
“It’s my hometown cup, so it’s great. It’s great to come back and win it.”
Media Baron, ridden by Troy Turner, came from last to win the Geraldton Cup, edging out No Say In It by a neck with Freedom By Choice a long-neck away third.
It ended a long losing spell for Media Baron that stretched back to a Pinjarra maiden victory over 15 months back when he defeated Perceptive Miss.
Harrison admits the long gap between wins, 13 starts, was a source of frustration after Media Baron flashed potential in three-year-old ranks last season.
He ran placings in the Group 2 WA Derby (2400m), the Listed Roberts Stakes (1800m) and Listed Lex Piper Stakes (1600m). He also finished fourth in the Listed Melvista Stakes (2200m).
“He has been a little unlucky in a lot of races,” Harrison said.
“He just can’t seem to keep up in the shorter ones.
“Most Written Tycoon’s can’t get more than about 1600m, but he his crying out for ground and an exception to the rule.
“I never lost faith in him.”
Media Baron extended the dominance of Perth gallopers in the Geraldton Cup to a decade.
The four-year-old also gave Turner his second victory in the race after guiding Black Tycoon (2013).
Harrison is confident Media Baron can add to his Geraldton Cup triumph.
“I seriously think he will be a nice stayer next preparation,” Harrison said.
“As a five and six-year-old he will be a serious stayer.
“You never know, but maybe a Pinjarra Cup type horse.”
Julio Santarelli