Parochial Fans Rally Behind Material Man
13 February, 2019
Thoroughbred
Trainer Justin Warwick admits the level of support for his champion galloper Material Man in the world’s richest 1600m race has caught him by surprise.
Material Man is high in the public voting for the inaugural $5 million All-Star Mile, currently placed 8th, with voting to close next Monday.
Material Man enhanced his profile with supporters after running a cracking sixth in last week’s Group 1 C.F.Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Warrick said parochial Western Australian fans are getting right behind Material Man as he progresses to the All Star Mile at Flemington in March.
“I’m actually overwhelmed by the support he has got throughout Western Australia,” Warwick told Tabradio.
“It’s been quite remarkable and amazing. These chances don’t come around too often and you want to make the most of them.
“There are a lot of horses in there with a lot of connections and to be still in the top 10 with five days to go is great.”
Warwick said Material Man’s run in the Orr Stakes validated his faith in the Vital Equine seven-year-old.
“It was a great relief to know we were up to the grade,” Warwick said.
“He really charged to the line and pulled up super after the race.
“It was his first run for a while and I’d expect him to take improvement out of it and keep going.
“He pulled up great and probably better than he would have done at home for some reason.
“He ate up well, is very bright and I have great facilities where I am.
“He spent a little bit of time on the water worker the next day and had a bit of a swim.
“The reports are he is terrific this morning and worked well.
“In a fortnight’s time he will race again in the Futurity and then is in for a busy time after that.
“The races getting bigger and longer.”
Julio Santarelli