Trainer Trevor Andrews prepared a race to race double at Belmont today, culminating in the winning return of his stable star The Rising.
Andrews’ first leg win saw the incredible purple patch of the 6yo Conatus gelding Military Secret ($10.00) continue, with jockey Shaun McGruddy circling the field from last to storm home for a narrow neck victory in the Vinnie’s HCP 1000m.
McGruddy also partnered The Rising ($2.20 fav) in the Rotary HCP 1000m. On April 20th, punter were left shattered following the first defeat of the Flying Pegasus colt, who had raced wide and choked run in running – returning with an elevated heart rate after limping home for sixth. Smashing a recent barrier trial, The Rising was back for revenge today, and literally obliterated opponents in leading all the way, with star filly Miss Solis ($8.00) putting up the only challenge to finish within ¾ length – it was daylight to third.
Glenn Smith also had a day out in the saddle, returning a riding double in the final two events. Darci Time ($2.90 fav) rewarded punters when hunting down Ancient Spell ($8.00) in the Creating New Destinies HCP 1400m to win by a half-length, and Smith produced arguably the ride of the day in the Donate To Passages HCP 1650m, when guiding Red Mercedes ($7.00) from eighth on the turn with a 59kg impost to salute by a long neck.
In other races, Vital Importance ($3.60 fav) came from last to swamp rivals in the Crown Perth HCP 1300m. Swap Ya ($7.00) held out the fast finishing debutant Northpace ($3.40 fav) in the Passages Resource Centre HCP 1400m, while Hussy By Choice ($5.70) also clung to a narrow victory in the Westralian Diamond Drillers HCP 1200m. The blanket conclusion to the Reed Resources HCP 2100m saw Operational ($4.20) get the nod by a short head, with four runners featuring in the photo finish.
The Hoops / Trainers
Trevor Andrews prepared a training double, while Shaun McGruddy and Glenn Smith both notched up two victories in the saddle.
Chris Blackwell