A wonderful day for the Esprit Racing team yesterday with a winning double at the metropolitan, Mooloolaba Cup meeting on the Sunshine Coast, in front of a large number of friends of Esprit Racing!
So Dapper started the day in tremendous fashion, with a ridiculously impressive all the way win in race 2 over 1800m. Ridden by Larry Cassidy, the 4yo son of So You Think brought back memories of his dad, as he flowed around the track before dashing away on the turn. In only his 4th start, he was able to cope with the jump in distance and the jump in grade to defeat some nice horses which had been competitive during the winter carnival.
John Symons was interviewed by an impressed Sam Hyland, and said how gutted the team had been when the entire had pulled a hamstring prior to debuting earlier in the year, and that he now looks forward to heading towards a Magic Millions race in January. Larry Cassidy was very excited by the win, as he said So Dapper would be better suited coming from behind, as he was a little lost and stargazing when left in front, but the tempo of the race and a fast start dictated that he led.
The fun continued in the following race when the beautiful 8yo Fastnet Rock mare, Mewstone Rock, zoomed down the outside to demolish her rivals over 1400m. Missing the start slightly didn’t matter, as jockey Ron Stewart was able to make ground along the rails before coming out at the 600m. Leaving nothing to chance, he put her into fresh air and she charged down the crown of the track to win most impressively.
The win takes her earnings to $146,750, and the lightly raced mare has now won 5 of her 24 starts, with another 11 placings, so a very tidy record.
Sheila Laxon said that her trackwork in the past week had been outstanding, and she has never been in better condition, so although 8yo, she can continue to add to her CV.
With the hopes of several owners who had backed the treble at around $600-1 hanging, Checkmate Lad then stepped up to 2200m in race 4, and ran a terrific race, going under in just the last few bounds to finish a very creditable 3rd. Unlucky at the top of the straight when he lost momentum, the son of Strategic Maneuver looks certain to win in town at his coming starts.
All in all, a wonderful day, possibly some sore heads this morning, and we look forward to the coming months of racing with this fine team!