Arguably the win of the day went to master trainer Fred Kersley and his promising 3yo Tiger Hill gelding Purple Tiger, with a barnstorming victory in the Amelia Park Lamb HCP 1800m.
Backing up from a credible eighth in the WATC Derby 2400m, where it had worked home well from near last on the turn, punters were confident Purple Tiger ($4.20 fav) would respond to the drop in class with today’s company – with heavy support for the horse in the minutes prior to the start.
Jumping from barrier five, hoop Ben Paterson dropped Purple Tiger out to near last upon commencement, as Testimonial Mac ($15.00) and Hardwood ($4.80) took up the running. In an evenly run race, Paterson made his move passing the 800m mark, working his mount into sixth spot and swung wide making the final turn. Hardwood took the lead inside the final furlong, but did not allow for the fast finishing Purple Tiger, who swamped the leader in the shadows of the post for a well-timed ¾ length victory. Hardwood clung onto second, with The Danehill Rose ($12.00) a further ¼ length adrift in third.
Having been “up for a while”, Kersley admitted it was probably time for a well-earned spell for Purple Tiger who posted an impressive three wins from its eight start preparation this time in.
Chris Blackwell