The Adam Durrant trained Keepers Court ($3.40 fav) returned to the winners list today following a decisive win in the Schweppes HCP 1600m.
Aided by a precise ride from young jockey Ben Paterson, the ever consistent Keeper 5yo turned in a text book performance – capitalising on its comfy run in transit to storm clear of rivals in the straight and record a memorable 1 ¼ length victory.
Last start winner Finnegans Gold ($6.50) was unable to match the favourites final sectional – conceding defeat inside the last furlong to run second, while Disco Bling ($12.00) put in its best performance this preparation to finish a further length away in third.
The victory was reflective of the dominate run Paterson and Keepers Court produced last month, when unleashing a powerful finish to blow away its competition by 3 lengths over 1400m. Forced to carry the grandstand in its last start (59kg), the heavy impost took its toll with the gelding unable to see out the 1600m trip when finishing a fading third.
Appreciating the drop in weight for today’s slight class rise, the mile curse was finally lifted for Keepers Court – the winning result its first over the distance at its fifth attempt.
Chris Blackwell