Minstrel and Wishing Belle both show that touch of class in their wins

Western Australia’s leading pacer Minstrel (Rocknroll Hanover) gave an ominous warning to his forthcoming rivals in the forthcoming $1.25 million Nullabor with one of the best performances in recent times to take out the Trotsynd Free For All at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

Minstrel was out three wide for nearly a lap as Rockandrollartist was able to hold the early lead before the well supported Mighty Ronaldo went up to race outside the leader. It was obvious Gary Hall Jnr wouldn’t surrender that position to Minstrel but fortunately for the latter Mighty Ronaldo eventually crossed over with Minstrel left in the breeze.

After such a hard run few would have been surprised if he had weakened in the final lap. But showing that relentless will to win Minstrel charged past Mighty Ronaldo as they straightened and he still looked to have something in reserve as he held off Mighty Ronaldo by just under six metres with Gee Heza Sport finishing on for third. Minstrel ran his last two quarters in 27.8 and 27.5 seconds respectively an awesome effort considering the additional ground he had to cover.

MINSTREL 20 MAR REPLAY

Driver Deni Roberts expressed the win as follows.

I’m always a little bit lost for words after driving him. He just keeps coming back better and better and look he did not get it his own way and did not have it easy tonight but he’s just an out and out champion and good luck to him when they want to make him run like that he’ll be there at the end of the day.

All I can say is bring on the Nullabor. Potentially I think we’ve got four weeks before the Nullabor so whether we want to give him one more run but we don’t have to too. We can keep it up to him so tonight probably worked out perfect as a really nice hit out about so we can sort of look after from here to there and hopefully we’re tip top for the Nullabor.

Part trainer Greg Bond confirmed that it would be unlikely that Minstrel would run prior to the Nullabor.

He’s unlikely to run in the forthcoming Bunbury Cup and the following Friday the Easter Cup  is a standing start and he’d be handicapped out of that. The only option is the Governors Cup seven days before and we’re planning to run him the week after the Nullabor in the Fremantle Cup.

Commenting on his tough run Bond stated

We found out where we’re at with him. It was pleasing to have that happen and that he was able to win. He doesn’t need a lot of racing these days at his age we have to manage a few niggles.

Team Bond will have two runners in the Nullabor and Golden Lode has been confirmed as their other runner as they purchased a slot off Ram Racing syndicate in addition to their own slot.

Three year old filly Wishing Belle (Bettors Wish) burst back on the scene when she took out the Bridge Bar Pace for that age group. She was facing Golden Slipper winner D Mac and the previously unbeaten Proposition Joe.

From barrier four driver Aiden De Campo steered Wishing Belle to the lead and from then on she was always going to be the one to beat. Her task was made easier when Proposition Joe was forced to race outside the leader while D Mac was eased back to the rear and had to come from behind. He moved up three wide off the back straight but Wishing Belle was always in command and with De Campo keeping her mind on the job she ran her last quarter in 27.6 seconds to defeat Proposition Joe by less than three metres while D Mac kept plugging away a further three metres away in third.

WISHING BELLE 20 MAR REPLAY

De Campo was relieved that Wishing Belle bounced back after her first up second placing earlier this month.

Obviously you get a little bit disappointed when you get beaten on a horse of this stature but you can’t take much away from that run, I thought she went as good as she possibly could first up.

That was three weeks back, I’ve been keeping the work up to her. It was good to get the lead today and  pinch a quarter. I was really confident with her. She never makes it look like she’s travelling better than what she is. You’re always at her but she’s got a fair bit of give when you ask her.

She’s a bit of a bludger on the trackwork track. We got to whack the hood on her if we want to give her a good hit out. There’s a fillies race for her next week all heading into the Sales Classic Nullabor night.

I’ve always driven her tough but she did win her first race sit and kick. She’s got a lot of high speed as well

Greg Bond was satisfied with Proposition Joe’s performance in finishing second.

He’s a bit immature. But he’s definitely got the ability to be a Derby prospect later in the season. We’ll give him a month off.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink