Article by Mick Wallace, NT News
Brendon Davis guides Finke to victory in the Hot 100 Darwin Guineas (1600m).
PICTURE: Elise Derwin
Trainer Gary Clarke kicked off the Darwin Cup Carnival in style at a buzzing Fannie Bay yesterday.
Clarke’s Finke — shooting for seven straight victories since arriving in the Territory — toyed with his rivals, going on to win the Darwin Guineas (1600m) by more than four lengths, ahead of Abu Dhabi and Worthington.
The gelding’s outstanding performance did not surprise Clarke in the slightest.
“I have a high opinion of the horse,” Clarke told the Sunday Territorian.
“The only concern was being first-up over the mile, but I needn’t have worried.”
Jockey Brendon Davis, knowing he was on the best three-year-old horse, was positive out of the gates aboard Finke, and after the first furlong had the punters’ elect travelling in a lovely rhythm in second position.
His main danger in the betting, Abu Dhabi, was forced to face the breeze three wide settling down.
Approaching the home turn Finke was the only one punters wanted to be on, as he clicked into another gear to win with astonishing ease.
Abu Dhabi’s effort to run second was sound after doing plenty of work in the run. Finke’s next assignment will be the NT Derby (2000m) on July 16.
