WOW !!!…what a run we got from the 5yo Investor’s Dream horse Jappaloop today, as it seemed to overcome the impossible to win the Rosie O’Grady’s Northbridge HCP 1400m.
Backing up from an eye catching fourth a fortnight ago behind Keeper’s Court after missing the start, we expected an improved performance from the Shane Plumb trained Jappaloop ($6.00 – $5.00), but want was to unfold left us all agog – most of us still pondering in amazement as to what unfolded.
Jockey Brad Parnham put his mount to sleep on barrier rise, happy to take up Jappaloops customary role at the rear of the field. But with a muddling pass throughout, Jappaloop found itself last at the 600m mark – covered up on the rail with no clear passage and seemingly no hope of being prominent in the finish. It was left to Parnham to ride for luck entering the straight – producing a fighting effort rarely seen at Belmont.
Passing the final 300m, fellow back marker Miss Vinnoire ($12.00) finally peeled wide to try and run down Zero To Sixty ($9.00) – who had prevailed over early leaders Sonny Biscay ($10.00), and race favourite Trustee Brown ($4.00). Zero To Sixty extended inside the final furlong, looking the winner, as Jappaloop struggled to force its way in-between horses. But the gap finally came for Parnham inside the final 150m, and his mount did the rest – darting to the line to record an unbelievable win – the “get out of jail free card” fully utilized.
Miss Vinnoire and Zero To Sixty hit the line together ¾ length away to finish second and third respectively.
As we all recovered from heart failure, Plumb acknowledged his classy stable star, suggesting a tilt at the Perth Cup was not out of the question.
Chris Blackwell