An excellent return to form today for Bronzegate, with a soft win over 2150m at Toowoomba.
After three runs back from a spell, over shorter distances and on shifting surfaces, his form looked horrible, but we knew that he was getting fitter and expected that once he was provided with his perfect scenario of 2000m+ on a firm surface, that he would perform.
And perform he did; perfectly placed behind the leader by in form young rider Baylee Nothdurft, he was angled out upon straightening and he quickly put the race beyond doubt.
After the stewards took six vials of blood in a random pre-race swab, trainer Sheila Laxon was very anxious that his focus may have been disturbed, however she was delighted by the ride and the gelding’s performance.
The win puts him back in a good position to confront the city staying races that he has been competitive (and unlucky) in previously, and hopefully such a win doesn’t elude him this time in.
Congratulations to all concerned!