Ack Ack – Grade III (P7) [BC]
1 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $400.000 Open 3 Year Olds And Up.

1st Speter Fractious Van Dyke D

It was to be a day when the AI would get the timing right for one of the closers. Everything worked for this one today, the wet ground screwed up the race engine, so the pace was far too fast early on, his wide draw allowed him a run at them and for the first time in 17 months and 12 races he managed to gain his eighth career win with his trademark late finish. On the old engine this one managed two graded stakes wins but after previous owners had tried to get him closer to the pace in keeping with the new style of racing, he was once again allowed to run at the back by Fractious and the results have been fairly miraculous. Let’s not forget that this one was raced in two claimers early this year and was claimed twice despite being beaten in both. Once at Fractious Stables though he has now run in three graded stakes and collected a check in all of them winning today to go to the BC. It is a remarkable turn round in form and one the trainer should be very proud about although I would like to check what they are feeding them over there after the three stable runners finished first second and third !!

2nd Gorogue Laga Fractious Baird E T

He ran an odd race, wide for much of the trip he seemed to run in snatches, looking to be going like a winner then looking like he was going to fade away and then running on again. In the end he was second and whilst he isn’t in the form he was as a three year old he once again showed that there is ability there he just needs to be in the right mood to show it.

3rd Retaliate Fractious Gaffalione T

The sprinter sat in last place for much of the trip which turned out to be the right thing to do as the suicidal early pace gave the closers a chance. There is no doubt he could have stayed closer had he wanted to with all his sprinting speed so this was a good move by the trainer who had both of their closers in the right place.

4th Red Bull D J C Racing Stables Wilson E J

Joined in the rush from the back as the crazy pace made the race turn inside out. He ran a super race to be fourth but the race shape suited him today and that isn’t always the case with closers on this engine.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES