Amazing Minstrel slays them in James Brennan Pace

Western Australia’s best open pacer at present Minstrel (Rocknroll Hanover) gave another marvellous performance with yet another effortless win in this year’s Group 2 $100,000 James Brennan Memorial Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

Belying his status as the oldest horse in the quality field, Minstrel driven by her usual reinswoman Deni Roberts was still sent out a warm favourite despite his second row draw.

In a fast run race early second favourite Cyclone Jordy was made to do a little bit of work before retaining the lead with another veteran Mighty Ronaldo securing the trail behind the leader. With just over two laps left to travel Golden Lode took off three wide and that gave Minstrel the trail up as the latter eventually worked to sit outside Cyclone Jordy.

MINSTREL 13 NOV REPLAY

The pace was on with the leaders running their second and third quarters in 28.6 and 28.5 seconds as Minstrel in his customary grinding fashion forged away from Cyclone Jordy on the final bend. However Golden Lode issued a challenge but Minstrel just kept going to beat the fast finishing Mighty Ronaldo and Waverider who was getting inside runs for third placing.

It’s a testament to the training ability and patience of Greg and Skye Bond to get the nine year old going again and in his two starts back he’s shown he’s still as good as ever.

As usual Roberts was lavish in her praise of Minstrel.

He’s just amazing. He just goes for the well for me every time, and even when it’s against him which it more time is than not. On the top of the corner, he felt a little bit out on his feet, and he just kept digging. But he’s just a credit to him. This old horse just keeps coming back and just getting better and just keeping his form going.

As to whether he was under pressure on the final bend Roberts added.

It looked a little bit that way, but I really had to grab up on him down the back so Ronaldo didn’t get through and going against him like that doesn’t suit him. He’s a horse that likes to find his momentum and stay there. But unfortunately, we had to be a little bit tactical there, and probably might’ve made a difference. So not the way I like to drive him, but sometimes you’ve got to.

And as for his chances in the WA Pacing Cup on 11 December, Roberts stated

For him to go three in a row would be amazing, but just to have him back at the races, I’m blessed every time I get to sit behind him and I owe him for a lot.

Even at this stage its hard to see Minstrel not securing his third consecutive WA Pacing Cup. His relentless style of racing where he eyeballs his opponents is likely to be to the fore if he has to do it tough and if by any chance he happens to find the lead early then he looks the one to beat.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink