Spy Major runs sub 54 half on debut
Spy Major (Sky Major) recorded one of the fastest last halves ever posted on the Oamaru track when he won impressively yesterday on debut.
Driver Sam Thornley took the Daniel Reardon trained gelding straight the top. He dominated the sectionals and the three year old went down to the line to win easily by two and a quarter lengths in 2-27. 0 for the 2000 metre journey.
The last 800 was cut out in a supersonic time of 53.7.
“I think anyone would be surprised. It’s a very fast track. He was two seconds quicker than anything all day, but Sammy got it pretty good in front,” Reardon said.
Spy Major was bred by Rob and Christine Davis who share in the ownership with Reardon and he’s the only foal out of the He’s Watching mare Who’s Watching. Her dam Laura’s Legacy was by Christian Cullen out of twelve win race mare Imagine That.
Imagine That, trained by Mark Purdon, won the G2 Sires’ Stakes for two year olds, the G1 Sires’ Stakes for three year olds, the Listed Great Northern Breeders Stakes, G2 Queen of Hearts and G2 Kaikoura Cup.
Spy Major qualified in May at Rangiora before he was put aside and then prior to yesterday’s race he won both of his trials.
“He’s always been a natural pacer. He’s so well gaited and always shown he’s wants to run. When he gets on that track he knows what it’s about. He comes off the gate and relaxes. He’s growing up on and off the track which is really good.”
There was a certain amount of confidence around Spy Major’s debut yesterday with one punter placing a $15,000 win bet on the gelding.
“I said to Rob and Christine a while ago that we’re just going to take it easy because he’s got four year old written all over him. Win, loss or draw he was just going to have a run at the Cup trials and have a race at Ashburton during Cup Week. The long term aim is to take him for a trip to Nelson so the trainer can have a holiday and he can have an education.”
Forty nine year old Reardon trains out of West Melton utilising Ken Barron’s track and yesterday’s win was his 28th. His best winner to date has been Fernz Goldie, the winner of seven.
“I think I’ve finally found my good horse, which you strive to do. Fernz Goldie will always be number one but as far as potential goes he’s the best. Rob and Christine want to race him because he’s their baby. Hopefully we get a chance to enjoy the journey.”
Spy Major is by Sky Major who won three Harness Jewels and close to $800,000. However he didn’t set the world alight as a stallion and was recently exported to China.
“We’re going with the motto that every stallion leaves a good one. Hopefully he’s the one.”
The other highlight of the day was Sarah O’Reilly driving three winners – A Mako Man, Petite Trixton and Bettor Dreams. All were trained by her employers Brent and Tim White.
For complete race results, click here.
by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink
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