Wow. What a blistering performance that was by our boy, Likely Suspect, to win first up at Warrnambool today.
After just the one forget start on a Heavy track prior, we were hoping for his return to the races to be a nice hitout to tune him up for longer trips but he suprised everyone with his near-last to first victory.
Likely Suspect jumped from the widest gate and immediately dropped his head to his chest. He drifted back, was given plenty of time to find his groove and though travelling wide, had some cover in the race. Unfortunately jockey Beau Merterns found himself in an awkward spot stuck behind slow horses, so he was forced to go around them.
Brought to the extreme outside on the home turn, and about 8L off the leader, it looked like the 2nd starter was going to do what he was there for… to just work home nicely under his own steam, perhaps into a placing. The son of top stayer, Unusual Suspect obviously didnt read the script though- he exploded on the scene like he was shot out of a cannon and an impressive win was on the cards, it was just a matter of Beau hanging on.
It was great vindication for the owners who we’re a little despondent after the 4yo flopped on debut. There were legitimate excuses that day especially the fact it was a bottomless track, something he will obviously stay away from in the future.
Today, we got to see what this guy is all about and being such a raw, gangly type, to think there is still a stack of improvement to come, is scary.
Likely Suspect was purchased after we saw him trial in New Zealand. We have put a lot of focus on buying tried horses from over the ditch and Europe and this guy will hopefully be another in our arsenal as we plan a Melbourne Cup assault.
Congratulations to Mr A Van, Mr M J Symons, Mr A Schultz, Mr B J Pierre, Mr M J Donegan, Ms V N Fisher, Mr C R Fisher, Mr D P Quinlan, Mr L Perry, Mr P J Michael, Mr C P Simpson, Tres Fratres, Mr P J Fulton, Mrs K Fulton, Worth A Shot, Mr A Panasewycz and Never Again Titans.
It was a fantastic effort from our trainer, Lindsey Smith who had already trained the first 2 winners on the card. This made it 3 from 3 and hopefully it won’t be his last as later in the day we saddle up the very exciting Sabar!
