In an excellent return to form, supported by a wonderful Jaden Lloyd ride, Set Me Up charged through a gap from last to win the ARCHERS THE STRATA PROFESSIONALS BENCHMARK 68 Handicap over 1800 metres at the Sunshine Coast last night.
Unwanted by punters (easing to $17) and expected to need one more run before hitting peak fitness, a midfield finish looked to be the likely outcome as the bunched field thundered towards the finish. After doing little work at the rear, however, the smart 6yo daughter of Star Witness and Inaflury was extricated from a pocket at the 250m and lengthened beautifully to assert her class over the benchmark 68 field to win impressively.
In the post race interview on Sky Channel, John Symons said that the win gave he and Sheila great satisfaction. She had been plagued with suspensory issues and her fitness program needs to be quite delicate, but the team and the mare have done an outstanding job with 5 wins from 15 races despite the challenges.
John again heaped praise on the formidable strike rate the stable has partnering with Jaden Lloyd, and with the equine team in great condition we look forward to the statistics being maintained.
Congratulations to all concerned!
At the rear at the top of the straight..
Still last, with the gap starting to open….
...and gets there on the line!
