Despite having his first start on the Sunshine Coast synthetic track, and well short of the optimal distance, I Ponder, the big stylish son of So You Think was too classy for his rivals today in the OASIS LEISURE Maiden Handicap over 1600m.
Backed as if he was unbeatable after some good form around him in his 3 previous starts, I Ponder always looked to be in control sitting one out and one back, and when rider Luke Tarrant let him go at the top of the straight, he charged past the leader to win convincingly by 0.5l in 1.38.14.
A delighted John Symons indicated on Sky Racing that we will not see the best of him until he gets to 2400m, and surely he will continue to increase in distances as he goes through his classes now.
Luke suggested he still has a lot to learn and will continue to improve over more journey.
So a workman like job today, but very positive for the future.
Congratulations to the Esprit Racing team, who have been doing it tough in trying weather conditions, and congratulations to owners Kevin Hawes and John Symons.