The classy Gino Poletti trained Back To A Walk returned to the winners list today at Belmont, with a dominant victory in the Jackson’s Restaurant HCP 1400m.
Backing up from a solid second behind Hussy By Choice last start, which saw the Artie Schiller 3yo get within a half-length of the victor after flying home from eighth on the turn, expectations were high as punters responded heavily to today’s drop in class. In its customary role, hoop Shaun O’Donnell eased Back To A Walk ($2.00 fav) out slowly from barrier four, taking a preferred sit back in the field as Il Vincero ($16.00) and Stock Trader ($6.00) took up the running. The steady pace up front suited the favourite, as a number of the pace makers became flat footed as they entered the straight.
O’Donnell on the other hand had a handful of horse – pushing Back To A Walk forward with consummate ease, and dashed home for an effortless two length win. It’s A Bit Shady ($8.00) also worked home well from near last before peaking inside the final furlong to claim second – hitting the line together with Futurism ($20.00) who fought on bravely from its handy position throughout.
It was the second career win from four starts for the exciting Back To A Walk, and its commanding top weight (58kg) return today over the 1400m distance suggests a bright outlook for Poletti’s latest stable star.