Hall makes the right call with Hez The Boss in 2YO Classic win

Leading reinsman Gary Hall Jnr was spot on when his elected drive Hez The Boss (Poster Boy) scored a comfortable all the way win in the Listed $125,000 APG WA 2YO colts and geldings final at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

Hall had to make the choice between Hez The Boss and the other Heat winner Ideal Whisper who had the better inside draw.

However Hall had no misgivings opting for Hez The Boss.

HEZ THE BOSS 27 FEB REPLAY

Ideal Whisper was expected to lead but Riptide burned him off to take up the running. It was then that Hall seized the moment from his early wide position to make a challenge for the lead and he succeeded in doing so. This left Ideal Whisper in an awkward position three back on the rails.

There was no pressure on Hez The Boss in front and it was obvious a long way from home that the race was as good as over. Hall allowed Hez The Boss more rein on the final bend and he cruised away to win unextended from Riptide while Ideal Whisper who couldn’t get clear finished third without troubling the winner.

Hall was pleased how the race turned out.

I didn’t notice that it happened straight away (Riptide getting the lead from Ideal Whisper) because I was still trying to get into the field myself. When I took a breath and looked up and seen how it panned out pretty well for us early. That was exactly what we were hoping would happen. As you know in two year old races it doesn’t always go to plan.

He was a bit of a different horse in front. He was a bit lazy. He was switching on and off. Coming from behind he shows a really good turn of acceleration. Whereas tonight when I asked for it was there.

The $125,000 two year old fillies division was won as expected by the unbeaten Seaside Seranade (Downbytheseaside).

Starting a prohibitive odds on favourite Seaside Seranade was taken to the front by driver Liam Elliott and she never looked threatened at any stage. She ran out a six metre winner over All Out Of Aces with outsider Made For Me finishing on for a credible third.

That’s now four wins for Seaside Seranade and the Ryan Bell trained filly is clearly the best of her sex at this early stage.

SEASIDE SERANADE 27 FEB REPLAY

Driver Liam Elliott was full of praise for his mentors.

Ryan and Tiff have been amazing to me since I left home. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done. She’s a pretty special horse to me.

It turned out to be a great night for Hall Jnr as he celebrated four wins on the ten event program. His other three wins came by way of Reset The Bar (Sweet Lou) in the opening event. Later in the evening he won with Final Collect (Art Major) which he trains and then he saluted in the final event with the Bob Mellsop trained mare Girl Of Brightness (Advance Attack) in yet another masterly display of front driving.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink