Purdon runner causes boilover

In the last few months Nathan Purdon has had wretched luck, his last harness racing winner being Alecto at Alexandra Park in early March.

That bad run came to an end tonight when Beware The Storm (Bettor’s Delight) was too good for some better credentialed fillies in the $60,000 Group Two Studholme Bloodstock Bionic Chance Bracelet.

“Poor old Nat. He must have run over a black cat because he’s had shite luck over the last few months so it was great to turn it around and get some luck. She’s one of those Bettor’s (Bettor’s Delight). There was more under the bonnet, so that was great,” Dunn said.

BEWARE THE STORM REPLAY

At the line, Beware The Storm had half a length margin over second favourite Nelle Keenan with favourite Wat Fun a length and a half back in third.

Beware The Storm owned by Jean Feiss paid $54.70 and $5.30.

Meanwhile Jumal (Downbytheseaside) won albeit narrowly, the Garrards Sires’ Stakes Three Year Old Semi-Final.

He drew the outside and driver Blair Orange had to restrain him as the inside horses powered off the gate.

Orange was able to position him in the one one and saved him for one run in the straight, but he had to dig deep to get past Forever Miki who sat parked and gave the favourite something to think about at the finish.

JUMAL REPLAY

Jumal holding out Forever Miki (Race Images Photo)The winning margin was a neck with a head back to Sonofamistery.

“He was quite aggressive off the gate and I went with them for a wee bit. I was lucky to push one down and get a nice sit but he just over-raced a bit tonight. Down the back he gave me a bit of trouble pulling too hard, but to his credit on a soft tempo, a quick half and quick quarter he’s done well,” Orange said.

Tonight was a good learning experience for Jumal. In nearly all of his races he’s used his gate speed to run to the top. So being restrained and following a helmet will give him something to think about.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink