Ultra consistent three year old General Truce broke through for a deserved win in the fourth at Caulfield today. Early in his career, General Truce won the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate. He has since placed at Group 2 level on three occasions, including the 2010 Schillaci Stakes behind world champion Black Caviar. Today’s win took his career earnings beyond $350,000.
General Truce was allotted 59kgs for the 1000 metre race for three year olds and trainer Ricky Maund engaged apprentice Ashley Thompson to provide some weight relief.
Ricky
asked Ashley to ensure General Truce travelled fourth or fifth in running. That is exactly what Ashley did. Upon straightening, General Truce was momentarily held up by the tightly packed group in front. A gap presented, Ashley saw his opportunity and took it. General Truce burst through while wider on the track Spurcific gave chase. General Truce managed to hold out the filly to win the race. The race time of 58.88 on a slow7 track was half a second faster than the time run by the older horses in the following race.
“It was a great ride by Ashley, he took the run when it presented, and the decision probably won him the race” said Ricky Maund. “Stepping General Truce back to 1000 metres wasn’t ideal, but it was the only real lead up option for the Creswick in a fortnight. I’m really pleased with how he is going”.
General Truce, by Brief Truce was bred at Lauriston. He is the second foal from General Nediym mare, General Resolve. Like General Truce, his half-brother Arctic Command, also won the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate. Their half-sister, Complete Control, has won more than $100,000 in prize money. General Resolve’s fourth foal is a Testa Rossa weanling filly.
Ashley Thompson maintained his winning form in the very next race on Secret Flyer. Secret Flyer came from last to edge out the gallant South Australian Morgan Dollar.
photos by Bruno Cannatelli
