Trainer Neville Saunders had pencilled Equissential (8g. Jet Spur – Belle Of The Ball by Fairy King) in to run at a jump out this week but changed his mind after being advised that nominations had been extended for the Toowoomba benchmark 80 rating race over 1,200 metres last Saturday. And so August 1 was to be another day at the office for Equissential.
But work day or not the birthday boy chose to celebrate. After being allocated top weight Neville chose claiming apprentice Brendon Newport to ride and provide some weight relief. Equissential jumped well but posted three wide when he didn’t muster early speed. Brendon pushed the gelding forward to sit outside the leader. The 8yo proved too strong in the straight and drew away to win by a length.
It was the eleventh career win for the gelding and raised his prize money earnings to more than $375,000.
Yesterday Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm bred Canova (6g. Barley A Moment – Bloomin Marvellous by Desert Prince) stepped out in the third at Bairnsdale. Punters hadn’t missed his previous run, his first in two years, where he finished runner up at Swan Hill. Canova with Jamie Mott on was sent out as the race favourite. He led all the way to record a strong maiden win for owner Harley Ricketts and trainer Shea Eden.
