All the latest news from Spicer Thoroughbreds.
Kissinger Scores Effortlessly In Pakenham Cup
After Bellini Miss’ excting win last night, we didnt have to wait long for our next big thing to celebrate; Kissinger scored an emphatic victory in the LR Pakenham Cup.
What a revelation he has been for us. A Tavistock gelding we identified in NZ on the back of a Maiden and BM65 win, Kissinger was brought over here with a a staying future in mind. Pie in the sky was to get him competitive in the classics but we’d settle for Country Cups and yesterday we were wrapt to see him pick up his first. Dare say it won be his last if he can stay sound and healthy.
Kissinger is a testament to his trainer, Lindsey Smith who has kept him in work since March and he is only now starting to stamp himself as a force to be reckoned with. In fact The Pakenham Cup win was start number 12 this time in! Lindsey manages to keep the horse happy and interested and most importantly rock hard fi and the results speak for themselves.
If not for the length of his nose, he would be 4 straight from his last 4and it’s no coincidence Damien Oliver has made a significant difference having partnered him at all those outings. There aren’t many horses Damien doesnt get along with but his relationship with Kissinger is particularly noticeable. He just lets the big boy do his thing in the run and saves him for his big finish. Yesterday was a clinic. It was actually Damien’s 4th Pakenham Cup victory.
Although the Good 3 was a big query, the forgiving cushion surface made life easier for Kissinger and the punters didnt miss him either, sending him out a solid favourite. With him racing in this rich vein of form, we have our sights set on the Bagot Hcp, a Listed race over 2800m at Flemington on New Year’s Day. Hopefully he can keep on his merry way and bring in the new year with a bang!
Bellini Doesn’t Miss At The Valley
It was heart in the mouth stuff at Moonee Valley last night where we watched our girl, Bellini Miss come from the back of the field to get up in the last stride to bring up her first City win.
Her $41 starting price was way over the odds compared to what we believed she should be but her form on paper indicated she hadn’t placed at her last 6 runs. What bookies didnt take into account was that her last 3 efforts were marred by bad luck and there was plenty to like about each of her efforts. She’s a get back and run on horse so luck plays a big part in her success.
Thankfully last night the stars aligned perfectly and she got the job done. The step up to the mile was a big factor but a patient ride by in-form Beau Mertens definitely provided the last piece of the puzzle. Beau let her amble along back in the field then started to pick up the tempo at the right time. He was forced to come wide on her but she was improving sharply and when the big strides were needed she mowed down the race fav, Bubbly Lass to arrive just in the nick of time.
Bellini Miss was another of our successful purchases from NZ. We liked her so much we managed to secure her full sister who will be arriving on our shores any day now. A prudent purchase now that her sister is a Melb Metro winner! Hopefully she can gallop too.
Congratulations to our owners, a few who were on course to enjoy the moment. She will more than likely head to Sandown next and relish an 1800m trip.
