After his fifth start for the Hall stable, Better Eclipse started fast from barrier two but could not avoid Rolling Fire and continued to race outside the leader. But Gary Hall Jr. made a tactical move with just under two laps to go that proved decisive. Favorite Golden Lode was torched three wide by Deni Roberts to tackle the leaders. Hall decided to push for the lead and he passed Rolling Fire, who was subsequently pocketed. Golden Lode ultimately moved up to race outside of Better Eclipse.
In the final corner Better Eclipse kept its rivals at bay and Rolling Fire looked for a way out. And despite his hard run, Golden Lode continued to drift away, joining Better Eclipse halfway down the straight. But in a driving finish, Better Eclipse found something more and held on to a short half-head from Golden Lode, with Rolling Fire still looking for a point at the finish in third. The other unlucky runner was Magnus Victor, who was back on track with the three of him and was unable to achieve a clear run at any point.
BETTER ECLIPSE DEC 19 REPETITION
Better Eclipse has had a star-studded background before joining the Hall stable. The gelding, now seven years old, has had an impressive career under former trainer Jess Tubbs and is ridden by the late Greg Sugars with three Group 1 successes counted among his 25 wins and just over $1.4 million in stakes.
Earlier in his career he was successful in the Chariots of Fire at Menangle and the Sunshine Sprint at Albion Park and also went to New Zealand to win the Auckland Cup. Better Eclipse is played by Antoinette Bajada.
Hall Jnr highlighted the challenges of preparing a top class pacer in a new jurisdiction.
I just made him drop the bit. I was pretty happy with where we were, but when that three-wide horse came (Gouden Lode), he grabbed the bit hard and I wouldn’t be able to do too much from where I was.
We had to come up with a plan B on the spot. Fortunately, he was able to take over the lead from that horse who was probably looking at the stars at Rolling Fire, just like him.
But I’m really happy with him. It’s good to see him win. He has been a very good horse because every year of his career would have been a shame to see him come here and not win a race. He has ticked that off now, I think he is getting better, I think he looks way too fat for my eye. So hopefully he’s still on his way.
Like I said, he pulled hard for Maddie (Madelaine Brown) with the cover locked in the Pacing Cup. He would have been undone had he not taken the lead when that horse came three wide. I think it’s getting fit again, he hasn’t had the race to get him settled the way I want. I’m still learning about him. It’s a lot of pressure when you have a horse like him, who has made so much money, to come out and do his best.
Outside the winner, Golden Lode rode a great race to go just under after being three wide and outside the leader. He finished a credible fourth in the Western Australia Pacing Cup last week and there is no doubt he will come back stronger next year.
For full race results, click here.
Through Tony Milanesefor Harnesslink
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